PA city worker accused of staging ‘hate crime’ hoax after allegedly planting noose at her desk
Pennsylvania City Worker Accused of Staging Fake Hate Crime
LaTarsha Brown, an employee at Allentown City Hall in Pennsylvania, has been charged with staging a fake hate crime after allegedly planting a noose at her own desk. The incident, which sparked outrage and a community protest, took a shocking turn when DNA evidence pointed to Brown as the culprit.
Initially, Brown claimed to have discovered the noose at her desk on January 10 when she arrived for work. This led to an investigation and widespread condemnation of what was believed to be a hate crime. City Councilwoman Ce-Ce Gerlach expressed her anger and frustration over the incident, calling it a despicable act of racism.
During the investigation, every employee who could have placed the noose on Brown’s desk was asked to submit their DNA for testing. While most employees cooperated, Brown refused and requested that the investigation be stopped. Eventually, a court order was obtained to obtain Brown’s DNA, which was found to match the DNA on the noose.
Police revealed that Brown had given vague statements and deceptive answers during the investigation, further implicating her in the fake hate crime. As a result, she now faces misdemeanor charges of making a false report and tampering with evidence.
Mayor Matt Tuerk expressed shock at the charges, stating that it was doubly surprising that an employee would fabricate such an incident. The motive behind Brown’s actions remains unclear, and police have not provided any information on why she might have staged the fake hate crime.
Despite the evidence against her, a friend of Brown’s has come to her defense, claiming that the charges are a form of retaliation. The friend alleges that Brown admitted to touching the noose but maintains her innocence. Community organizer Josie Lopez has called for support for Brown, insisting that she deserves justice and that the case against her is unjust.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the Allentown community is divided over the incident, with some standing by Brown and others condemning her actions. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities of hate crimes and the importance of seeking the truth in such sensitive matters.
