Queens District Attorney Richard Brown will be stepping down from his post earlier than expected, according to his office.
Due to an undisclosed health concern, the 86-year-old district attorney who has been in his role for nearly 30 years will be leaving office on June 1.
“It had been my hope that I would be able to finish out this term in office. Unfortunately, that is not to be,” said Brown. “Given the current state of my health and my ongoing health issues, it has become increasingly difficult to fully perform the powers and duties of my office in the manner in which I have done since 1991. Accordingly, I intend to resign as District Attorney effective June 1, 2019, the twenty-eighth anniversary of my first assuming this office.”
Brown has delegated his chief assistant to serve as interim district attorney after his departure.
“In the interim, pursuant to the provisions of subdivisions 3 and 4 of section 702 of the County Law, section 9 of the Public Officers Law, and such other applicable provisions of law, I hereby designate my Chief Assistant, John M. Ryan to exercise the powers and duties of the office of District Attorney while I address my health issues,” Brown said. “I will continue to work closely with my staff until my retirement to ensure an orderly transition for this office and for the residents of Queens County.”
NYPD Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch is sad to see Brown go.
“Judge Brown’s strong and steady leadership as Queens District Attorney will be sorely missed. For nearly thirty years, he and his staff stood shoulder to shoulder with New York City police officers and worked tirelessly to reclaim the borough and our entire city from crime and chaos,” said Lynch. “It would be impossible to count the lives saved and crimes prevented under his watch. The Queens we know today — a diverse, thriving community and an attractive place to live and do business — would not have been possible without Judge Brown’s public safety leadership. His legacy must be preserved, and his work must continue.”
Brown thanked the people of Queens for their support over the years.
“It is has been my honor to serve you. I particularly want to express my appreciation to all those who have worked so professionally and diligently in this office as Assistant District Attorneys, Investigators and members of our support staff,” said Brown. “Together we have built what I believe to be one of the finest prosecutor’s offices in the country.”
The primary to replace Brown will be held on June 25 and the general election is Nov. 5.
