Queens

Law professors filed a grievance regarding Patricia Theodorou’s summation misconduct in People v. Bristol, which she prosecuted on behalf of the Queens District Attorney’s Office (QDAO).

On appeal, Bristol argued that Theodorou made various improper comments during the summation, including vouching for the strength of her case, appealing to the sympathies of the jury, and disparaging Bristol and his counsel. The Appellate Division found that “certain remarks made by [Theodorou during summation] were improper,” but it did not reverse the conviction.

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

Theodorou’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.