A Pennsylvania city worker was accused Monday of staging a fake “hate crime” after she allegedly planted a noose at her own desk, according to police.
Allentown City Hall employee LaTarsha Brown was charged with a pair of criminal counts after DNA pulled from the noose only belonged to her, authorities said — though one of her pals claims she’s innocent.
Brown initially said she made the shocking discovery at her desk on Jan. 10 when she arrived for work — leading to an investigation and a community protest.
Allentown City Councilwoman Ce-Ce Gerlach said at the time she was “irate” and “angry” over what she called a “hate crime,” the Morning Call reported at the time.
During the investigation, every employee who could have placed the noose on the desk was asked to submit their DNA, Capt. Steve Milkovits said.
“Every employee agreed, except for Ms. Brown,” he said during a press conference streamed by Fox 29. “Initially cooperative, Ms. Brown requested that the investigation be discontinued.”
Brown’s DNA was finally obtained via a court order later in January and it matched up with DNA found on the inner knotted portion and outer surface of the noose, he said.
She also allegedly made “vague statements and gave deceptive answers” to police during the investigation, according to an affidavit obtained by the Morning Call.
Brown faces misdemeanor charges of making a false report and tampering with evidence.
Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk called the charges “shocking.”
“It’s doubly shocking that an employee would — that she would have fabricated this incident,” Tuerk told the news outlet.
Police declined to explain what Brown’s possible motive could have been.
Brown is also on the Allentown School District school board.
A friend of hers told CBS Philadelphia the criminal case against the city employee was “retaliation” and that Brown had admitted to touching the noose.
“This is not just an attack on LaTarsha. This is a warning to anyone in Allentown who dares to stand up against injustice. This is a smear campaign. This is retaliation,” community organizer Josie Lopez stated.
“But let me be clear: LaTarsha Brown is innocent. LaTarsha Brown deserves justice.”
“I am calling on the people of Allentown, the media, and everyone who believes in justice to stand with LaTarsha,” she added. “We will not be silent.”
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