Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2010, $100,000)
The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.
The Office of the Queens County District Attorney will use these funds for a specialized effort to combat financial crimes and mortgage fraud. The District Attorney's Office will utilize funds to support a multi-pronged initiative to address the growing problem of mortgage fraud and related financial crimes in its community including: 1) a specialized prosecutorial effort; 2) a focus on long-term investigations, sting operations, and use of traditional and court-ordered electronic surveillance where needed; 3) intensive intelligence gathering and analysis; and 4) aggressive public education and outreach, with special focus on underserved populations, including the County's large elderly, immigrant and multi-ethnic, multi-lingual populations. Project goals include the overall reduction of mortgage fraud and related crimes, ensuring offender accountability through aggressive prosecutions, and crime prevention through education and outreach efforts. A district attorney will be dedicated to this issue.
NCA/NCF