PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:

March 15, 2005

Contact: William J. Smith (718) 556-7150
District Attorney’s Office

Laura Macho (718) 447-4242
Dignity Memorial

D.A. Donovan Kicks-Off “Smart & Safe” Seniors Campaign
***Joint Program of D.A.’s Office & Dignity Memorial to Prevent Crime Against Seniors***

STATEN ISLAND, NY - District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan, Jr., along with Dignity Memorial Funeral Homes of Staten Island, Casey, Casey McCallum-Rice and Virginia Funeral Homes will today formally kick-off the Smart & Safe Seniors program on Staten Island by conducting an educational program at the South Beach Senior Center.

The 30-minute training program consists of a series of lessons and tips on how seniors can avoid such common crimes as: identity theft, home improvement scams, telemarketing and sweepstakes scams, as well as various ways to protect themselves both at home and while on vacation.

“My office has been aggressive in prosecuting those who seek to prey upon senior citizens, however, I believe we should be proactive in helping to prevent crime,” stated District Attorney Donovan. “I believe that programs such as this will help to educate senior citizens on how to avoid becoming victims of such crimes.”

“As a generation, our seniors have given a lot to their families, community and country,” noted Laura Macho, the Director of Public Relations for Dignity Memorial. “They should be treated with he respect they deserve and given the steps they need to empower themselves against becoming victims.”

District Attorney Donovan has taken an innovative approach to crimes against senior citizens including a recent case where two individuals were indicted on November 4th under the State’s Hate Crimes Law for a home invasion and
robbery of a 94-year-old man. “In this case, the victim was clearly selected because of his age and vulnerability to such a crime,” noted the District Attorney. “As a result of the Hate Crimes indictment, these two defendants will face enhanced penalties of up to 5 to 25 years in prison. This prosecutorial tool should be a clear deterrent to anyone who is thinking of committing a crime against our senior community”

Under New York State law, a hate crime may be charged on the basis of age when the victim is over the age of 60. The November 4th indictment is believed to be only the second time that prosecutors in New York have indicted a hate crime on the basis of age.

Anyone civic organization wishing to schedule a Smart & Safe Seniors presentation may contact Laura Macho at Casey Funeral Home at 718-447-4242 or the District Attorney’s Office at 718-556-7150.

-end-