A Message from the District Attorney...

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

We remain focused on keeping Westchester County safe – holding those who commit violence or break the law accountable while working proactively to prevent crime and protect our residents. 

Over the past two weeks, my dedicated prosecutors, investigators, and staff have successfully advanced three violent cases, including securing two indictments – one involving rape and the other domestic violence – and a guilty verdict in a slashing case.

My Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking Bureau charged Yonkers resident Pablo Alexander De La Cruz in a 27-count indictment alleging that he repeatedly raped, sexually abused, and emotionally exploited two European women whom he lured to the United States through dating applications. 

I commend the survivors for their courage in breaking free from an abusive situation and reporting the alleged sexual violence. I also applaud our Criminal Investigators Squad and the White Plains Police Department for their diligent work pursuing this deeply disturbing case. 

The second case involves Otoniel Morel Tejada, a Yonkers man who was indicted by my Domestic Violence Bureau for allegedly strangling and assaulting his girlfriend multiple times during a horrific February attack. Even after his arrest, he allegedly repeatedly violated an order of protection, exhibiting a troubling pattern of intimidation and control. 

Domestic violence is not a private matter, it is a serious crime, and no one should ever have to live in fear in their own home or relationship. 

Lastly, members of my Trials Division secured a guilty verdict following a jury trial against Jeury Fernandez Navarro, a Yonkers barber who was convicted of using a straight razor to slash a patron’s arm during a savage confrontation in 2025. 

The defendant faces up to seven years when he is sentenced next month. 

These cases demonstrate my dedication to protecting our community, holding violent offenders accountable, and ensuring victims are heard, supported, and taken seriously. 

But our responsibility to strengthening public safety does not end in the courtroom. 

As summer draws to a close, I want to remind the community that our expert prosecutors and criminal investigators provide free safety presentations to schools on critical issues affecting children and teens today. 

Our presentations address important topics, from social media safety and school threats to cyberbullying, sextortion, substance abuse, teen dating violence, distracted driving, and more. 

So far this year, we have delivered more than 100 safety presentations, reaching children, parents, and educators throughout Westchester while strengthening our partnerships with schools, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations. 

Education is one of our most powerful tools for prevention. By equipping children and the adults who support them with the knowledge they need, we can help them recognize warning signs, respond to potential threats, prevent victimization, and make safe, informed decisions. 

I encourage schools, parents, educators, students, and community leaders to access these free resources by calling our Community Affairs Office at (914) 995-3317.

From all of us at the District Attorney’s Office, we wish you a safe and successful school year!


In friendship,

District Attorney Susan Cacace

The first day of school is almost here for students across Westchester's 40 school districts -- and keeping our children safe starts with a conversation.


The Westchester County District Attorney's Office offers FREE safety presentations in schools for students, parents, and educators on issues affecting kids today, including social media safety, sextortion, school threats, teen dating violence, substance abuse, and more. 


Want us to visit your school? Call our Community Affairs Office at (914) 995-3317.

With kids heading back to school, now is a great time for parents, guardians, and caregivers to have a conversation about internet safety and review ways to help protect children and families online.

Criminals use the internet, social media, gaming platforms, and messaging apps to deceive, harass, threaten, and extort victims, steal money and property, and exploit children. Stay informed. Stay involved. Stay safe online.

Westchester Community Health Center Backpack Giveaway

A wonderful day of community, connection, and giving back!



District Attorney Cacace and Criminal Investigator Autumn Edwards joined Westchester Community Health Center for its Free Backpack Giveaway in Mount Vernon. They shared important resources and connected with children, neighbors, and local leaders to help kick off the school year strong.

Elisabeth Haub School of Law Keynote Address

District Attorney Cacace had the privilege of returning to her alma mater, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, to welcome 300 new law students, deliver the keynote address, administer a special ceremonial oath, and celebrate 50 years of excellence. 

Reflecting on her own time at Haub Law, District Attorney Cacace reminded the incoming class that their law degrees may open doors to meaningful places and opportunities they never imagined.

Most importantly, she encouraged them to remember that, regardless of where their careers lead, they will always have control over the kind of lawyer -- and person -- they choose to become. 

Congratulations and best of luck to the new class of law students! 

Muslim Heritage Festival

Members of our office enjoyed a beautiful afternoon at Sunday's Muslim Heritage Festival, honoring the rich culture, traditions, and heritage of our Muslim community.

From music and local vendors to meaningful conversations with our neighbors, it was a wonderful day celebrating the values, food, traditions, and diversity that make our community so vibrant.

Greenburgh Police Summer Youth Program Graduation

Criminal Investigator Autumn Edwards joined the Greenburgh Police Department as 30 outstanding teens graduated from the department's Summer Youth Program -- a six-week "mini" police academy focused on building leadership, physical fitness, knowledge of the criminal justice system, and relationships with law enforcement. 


Throughout the program, Investigator Edwards and other members of our office educated campers on important topics, including teen dating violence, healthy relationships, and internet safety. 


We are grateful to work alongside our local police to empower the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to succeed!

Westchester County Elder Abuse E-MDT Receives Collaboration Award!

The Weinberg Center for Elder Justice honored the Westchester County Elder Abuse Enhanced Multidisciplinary Team (E-MDT) with its inaugural E-MDT Collaboration Award at the New York State E-MDT Conference – a meaningful recognition of what can be accomplished when dedicated partners come together to protect vulnerable seniors in our community. 

The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office is honored to be part of this collaborative effort alongside the Weinberg Center, Westchester County Adult Protective Services, Westchester County Senior Programs and Services, Pace Women’s Justice Center, Family Services of Westchester, and more. 

Together, we work to combat elder abuse, connect victims with resources, and ensure seniors have the support and protection they deserve. 

We are grateful to our partners for this special acknowledgment and for the opportunity to continue strengthening our collective efforts on behalf of Westchester’s elder community. 

Click here to view as webpage