Queens DA Richard Brown OK after heart procedure

Queens District Attorney Richard Brown underwent a successful, minimally invasive heart value procedure Monday at New York University Langone Medical Center in Manhattan, his spokesman said.

Brown, 84, underwent the procedure on a non-emergency basis, was resting comfortably and will likely be released from the hospital in a couple of days, said spokesman Kevin Ryan. He is expected to make a full recovery, added Ryan.

First appointed to his post by then-Gov. Mario Cuomo after the resignation of John Santucci in June 1991, Brown stood for election in November 1991 and has won reelection every four years since, noted Ryan. Of the city’s five district attorneys, Brown is the one who has served longest in the job.

Shortly after he took the Queens post, Brown had bypass surgery. He has been under the care of a cardiologist since then, said Ryan.

Brown earned a reputation over the years for showing up at major crime scenes, even at night. He appeared with NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce in early February at the 106th Precinct in Jamaica to announce an arrest in the homicide of Howard Beach jogger Karina Vetrano.

By Anthony M. DeStefano

tony.destefano@newsday.comtonynewsday

Anthony M. DeStefano has been a reporter for Newsday since 1986 and covers law enforcement, criminal justice and legal affairs from its New York City offices.