Queens

Law professors filed a grievance regarding Benjamin Pred’s misconduct in People v. Elder, which he prosecuted on behalf of the Queens District Attorney’s Office (QDAO). In that case, Pred improperly vouched for his witness and improperly suggested to the jury that an indictment constituted evidence, in violation of a fundamental principle of criminal law.

Despite the findings of misconduct noted in this grievance, the New York Attorney Detail Report lists “Disciplinary History: No record of public discipline” for Pred at the time the professors filed this grievance.

Pred’s misconduct in Queens was far from unique; serious misconduct at QDAO has been regularly reported for years.

Powerful positions require the highest accountability. We cannot reward prosecutors for breaking the rules.