The Gazette Podcast Episode 5: The Importance of Gun Violence Awareness with First Executive ADA Thomas Ridges

The Gazette Podcast Episode 5: The Importance of Gun Violence Awareness with First Executive ADA Thomas Ridges

Welcome back to The Gazette Podcast. In recognition of Gun Violence Awareness Month, episode five features First Executive Assistant District Attorney Thomas Ridges who speaks about his role in the RCDA, his collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, how his personal and professional experiences influence his perspective on gun violence, and troubling firearms trends we've observed amongst our youth. Community Liaison Sophie Selwood joins us from the Courtroom Corner while DA McMahon elaborates upon RCDA's prosecutorial and preventative approaches to combatting gun violence, including our no questions asked cash for guns buyback program in partnership with the New York City Police Department. Information about our upcoming gun buyback event is included below. We hope you enjoy the show! No Questions Asked, Cash For Guns Buyback Event NO CURRENT OR RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT Sponsored By: The NYPD and Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon When: Saturday July 11, 2026 10Am-4PM Where: New Hope Community Church 77 Alaska Street Staten Island, New York, 10310 (Entrance on Chappell Street) Payment Subject to Inspection by NYPD Specialist Frequently Asked Questions * Do I need identification to surrender a gun?No, absolutely no identification is required. * How do I bring a gun to the drop off site?Gun must be placed in a plastic or paper bag or box. * Can I transport the gun in a car?If transporting the gun by car, the gun must be transported in the trunk of the car. * When do I get the pre-paid card?After the gun is inspected by a department specialist. * How many guns can I surrender?You may surrender as many guns as you wish, but you will only receive payment for up to three guns for a maximum payment of $1,500. There will be a 2 ghost gun limit per participant . * Is there a phone number I can call for more information?Yes, you can call 646-610-5323 for more information. * Can any member of the public surrender a gun?Yes, (Active or retired law enforcement officers & licensed gun dealers are not eligible to participate in the program.) * Can I have someone surrender the gun on my behalf?Yes, someone else can surrender the gun on your behalf.

The Gazette Podcast Episode 4: Get to Know ADA Jason Cohen and Judge Biju Koshy

Welcome back to The Gazette Podcast. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, episode four features the Chief of RCDA's Alternatives to Incarceration Unit, ADA Jason Cohen and Richmond County Criminal Court's Supervising Judge, the Honorable Biju Koshy who talk about their professional relationship, the importance of attending to mental health needs within the criminal justice system, and how unique the Staten Island approach to treatment courts truly is. Our Communications Director, James Clinton, joins us from the Courtroom Corner while DA McMahon offers insight into the upcoming 4th Annual Staten Island Multicultural Food Festival, the Staten Island Hate Crimes Task Force, and some of RCDA's hate crime prosecution policies. Information about the NAMI Mental Health Court Panel Discussion on June 10 featuring Judge Koshy and ADA Cohen is included below. We hope you enjoy the show! NAMI NYC Staten Island Community Information Night, Mental Health Court Panel Discussion A panel to speak about the Criminal Mental Health Court on Staten Island for those charged with Misdemeanor and Felony offenses. Richmond County Mental Health Court is a specialized diversion Court part which offers treatment as an alternative to incarceration for individuals with mental health diagnosis who are charged with crimes in Richmond County. We will hear from Judges who preside over cases in the Felony and Misdemeanor Mental Health Courts as well as defense counsel and a prosecutor from the District Attorney's Office. Guest Speakers: * The Honorable Biju Koshy, Supervising Judge of the Richmond County Criminal Court * Assistant District Attorney Jason Cohen, Chief of the Alternatives to Incarceration Unit for the Richmond County District Attorney's Office * Samantha Smalls, Mental Health Attorney for the Legal Aid Society Richmond County Criminal Defense Practice * Wanda DeOlivera, Defense Attorney Richmond County, DeOlivera Law Firm Free to Attend. Wednesday June 10, 7pm. Richmond County University Medical Center SIPP Auditorium 355 Bard Avenue, Staten Island New York 10301

The Gazette Podcast Episode 3: Get to Know Victim Advocates Dominique Magnan and Dr. Courtney Chase

Welcome back to The Gazette Podcast. In recognition of National Crime Victims' Rights Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, episode three features the Deputy Director of RCDA's Victim Services Unit, Dr. Courtney Chase, and Victim Advocate/Training Leader Dominique Magnan who unpack what it means to be a victim advocate, some of the strategies they use to assist survivors of crimes and their families as they navigate the criminal justice system, and how community members can best support the critical work that they do. Our Director of Neighborhood Initiatives, Lisa Thompson, joins us from the Courtroom Corner while DA McMahon offers insight into the events RCDA organized this year to honor National Crime Victims' Rights Week. We were fortunate to also speak to Mrs. Mary Ann Edkins and Mr. Charles Edkins Sr. to learn why they have returned to participate in RCDA's Annual Candlelight Victims' Vigil year after year. We hope you enjoy the show!

The Gazette Podcast Episode 2: Get to Know Peer Advocates David Claros and Austin Johnson

Welcome back to The Gazette Podcast. Episode two features two of RCDA's peer recovery mentors/advocates, Austin Johnson and David Claros who discuss the importance of their role in the court system, how their previous struggles with substance abuse disorders influence their work today, and some of the most exceptional success stories they've seen in their time with RCDA's Alternatives to Incarceration Unit. DA McMahon also joins us to discuss the origins of the HOPE program and the iconic yellow and black signs all Staten Islanders are familiar with. This month's Courtroom Corner is presented by Community Liaison Sophie Selwood. We hope you enjoy the show! To learn more about the HOPE program or for further resources, please visit https://sihope.org/ [https://sihope.org/] If you or someone you know would like to speak with David or Austin, please see their contact information below. Austin Johnson: austin.johnson@rcda.nyc.gov [austin.johnson@rcda.nyc.gov] (718) 556-7138 David Claros: david.claros@rdca.nyc.gov [david.claros@rdca.nyc.gov] (718) 556-7041

The Gazette Podcast Episode 1: Get to Know DA McMahon

Welcome to RCDA's The Gazette Podcast, a brand-new monthly show where RCDA staff members and professionals from our partnering agencies will sit down to talk about themselves and how their roles fit into the mission of preserving public safety and fighting crime we champion in the DA’s office. Our first episode features our very own District Attorney Michael E. McMahon who shares insight into his childhood, career in politics, efforts to make the RCDA a "modern prosecutor's office", and affection for the Staten Island St. Patrick's Day Parade. RCDA's Youth and Education Liaison, Agnes McBeth, also joins us to share updates on significant cases handled by our prosecutors this year in, "The Courtroom Corner". We hope you enjoy the show as much as we at the RCDA enjoy serving the people of Staten Island!