Queens

Law professors filed a grievance regarding Taylor Piscionere’s professional misconduct in People v. Wesley Marques, which she prosecuted on behalf of the Queens District Attorney’s Office (QDAO). The Appellate Term, Second Department found Piscionere’s conduct in Marques to be sufficiently improper to require the reversal of the jury’s verdict.

The Appellate Term found that when Piscionere prosecuted Wesley Marques, her “consistent theme” in the case was to improperly “garner sympathy” for the complainant and “appeal to the jurors.” In doing so, she “substantially prejudiced [Marques’] rights.” The Appellate Term specifically found evidence of her improper tactics in her summation—in which she made several inflammatory comments—and in her questioning.

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

Piscionere’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.