A Message from the District Attorney...

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

The extraordinary work my office accomplished this month underscores the vital role and measurable impact that strong partnerships with our schools, civic leaders, and our local, state, and federal law enforcement play in protecting our community.


Two weeks ago, I had the honor of standing alongside US Attorney Jay Clayton and our law enforcement partners from the FBI, Westchester County, the Bronx, and New Jersey to announce that 11 members of the violent BB7 criminal gang were federally indicted.

The indictment followed a sweeping multi-agency investigation that charged the defendants with racketeering, robbery, carjacking, stalking, and murder – including the alleged fatal carjacking of my constituent, Ariela Mejia-Polanco, in Mount Vernon last year. 


Following Ariela’s tragic murder, my office worked tirelessly to identify and pursue those responsible, securing more than 20 search warrants that uncovered critical evidence and exposed the far-reaching scope of this violent criminal network.

The case marked one of the most significant interagency law enforcement operations in Westchester County in recent memory. 


I’m grateful to our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, whose unwavering dedication made it possible to dismantle this criminal network and bring those allegedly responsible for Ariela’s murder one step closer to justice.

The same spirit of collaboration was on display as my office proudly co-sponsored the Westchester County School Safety Symposium with Southern Westchester BOCES and Altaris Consulting Group on July 15. 


The full-day symposium – the third program in an ongoing school safety series – brought together educators, law enforcement, public safety professionals, and mental health experts with a shared mission: keeping our schools safe and protecting our children. 


Experts from my Special Prosecutions Division, BOCES, the FBI, White Plains Public Safety, Altaris, and WESTAC shared critical information on today’s most pressing threats facing students, including social media-related risks, swatting, human trafficking, online radicalization, and other emerging dangers.

These discussions provided educators and attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to strengthen safety protocols, enhance preparedness, and improve response capabilities.


Meanwhile, this week, my office’s Cold Case Bureau arraigned Yonkers man Shawn McLaurin, who was arrested earlier this month and then indicted for the 2021 New Year’s Eve murder of 49-year-old Shawn Jefferson in White Plains. 

This indictment is the result of years of exceptional work and steadfast partnership with White Plains Public Safety, which led the extensive investigation with invaluable assistance from my Cold Case Bureau and Criminal Investigators Squad, as well as the FBI’s Westchester Safe Streets Task Force. 


By uniting our efforts with law enforcement and local stakeholders, we can work together to safeguard our schools, protect our neighborhoods, and ensure that those who threaten our communities are held accountable to continue building a safer Westchester for all. 


In friendship,

District Attorney Susan Cacace

Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Collaboration

District Attorney Susan Cacace, joined by Assistant District Attorneys Daniel Flecha and Elizabeth Shumedja, stood alongside US Attorney Jay Clayton, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Westchester County Police Commissioner Terrance Raynor, the FBI, and the Bergen and Essex County Prosecutors' Offices to announce the federal indictment of 11 members of the violent BB7 criminal gang.

Nearly one year ago, members of BB7 allegedly murdered Ariela Mejia-Polanco on the Cross County Parkway during an attempted carjacking, targeting her simply because she was driving a luxury vehicle.

Through dozens of search warrants executed by our office and close collaboration with our law enforcement partners, the investigation revealed the complex reach of this violent criminal network.

This indictment reflects the resolute partnership among federal, state, and local law enforcement. Together, we are committed to dismantling violent criminal enterprises and holding those responsible for terrorizing our communities accountable.

Westchester School Safety Symposium

Working together to better protect our students, strengthen our schools, and prepare our communities for today's evolving challenges.

The Westchester County District Attorney's Office co-sponsored the Westchester School Safety Symposium with Southern Westchester BOCES and Altaris Consulting Group, bringing together educators, law enforcement, and mental health experts to help schools better prevent and respond to emerging threats facing students.

Attendees examined today’s most pressing risks, with experts also addressing the legal considerations that arise during school emergencies, practical guidance for threat assessment, and strategies for turning preparedness into effective action.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office was honored to receive a special recognition from the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Office celebrating our partnership and collaborative efforts investigating cases involving child sex abuse material (CSAM) and other state and federal crimes.


Strong partnerships like these are essential to protecting our community, holding offenders accountable, and keeping our residents safe.

Italian Heritage Festival

The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office was proud to attend Sunday's Italian Heritage Festival, honoring the rich culture, traditions, and contributions of the Italian American community.


Members of our office shared tools and resources to help our community stay informed, safe, and protected from scams, fraud, and other crimes.

New Rochelle's Mentors in Blue program

Westchester County District Attorney's Office Criminal Investigator Autumn Edwards delivered an engaging and impactful presentation to youth participating in New Rochelle's Mentors in Blue program.


Investigator Edwards discussed the choices teens often make and the personal and legal consequences that can result from those decisions. She also shared practical strategies to help young people make informed, responsible decisions as they navigate adolescence and prepare for adulthood.


We are proud to partner with programs like this to help empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

Department of Probation Interns

District Attorney Susan Cacace met with six Department of Probation interns and District Attorney's Office intern Caroline Davis for an engaging discussion about the mission and work of the Westchester County District Attorney's Office.

The conversation provided these outstanding college students with insight into the office's role in advancing justice and public safety, while highlighting opportunities in public service and the many ways we serve the community.

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