A Message from the District Attorney...

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

On Tuesday, November 11, our nation celebrated Veterans Day. This important holiday originated as Armistice Day in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I, which was marked by an armistice that took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In 1954, it was renamed Veterans Day to honor all of our U.S. military veterans, not just veterans of World War I.

While reflecting on Veterans Day, it is a good time to acknowledge the amazing work that is done by our own Veterans Court.

The Westchester County Veterans Treatment Court (WCVTC) is a problem-solving specialty court created to address the unique issues facing veterans who are defendants in certain criminal cases. Many of these veterans have entered the criminal justice system because of issues stemming from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The WCVTC offers an alternative to incarceration, furthering our promise to deliver justice with compassion.

I am grateful to say that benefits of the WCVTC can be seen in reduced recidivism, reductions in alcohol and drug use, housing stability, enhanced opportunities for employment, improved relationships with friends and family, and improved mental health. Our veterans deserve these benefits and more.

We look forward to furthering our efforts in the Westchester County Veterans Treatment Court and to offering unique solutions to some of our veterans’ more challenging issues.

Finally, I would like to wish the members of our office who have served in the United States military forces a very Happy Veterans Day. On behalf of our entire team, I thank you for your service.

In friendship,

District Attorney Susan Cacace

We Honor Our Veterans and Their Unique Circumstances!

Veterans Court, established by the Administrative Judge of the Ninth Judicial District, is open to any criminal defendant who has served in the United States military. At the request of defense counsel, the defendant may be evaluated and, if they are a candidate for diversion, the case is transferred to Veterans Court.

Early research on Veterans treatment courts shows encouraging results, with many participants reducing substance use as well as mental health symptoms, as exhibiting improved functioning in other areas as well.

A treatment plan is created for the participant, and they are assigned to a volunteer veteran mentor. The program recognizes that the behavior that resulted in criminal charges may stem from a traumatic period in the military. The program’s objective is to provide the necessary services to help make a smoother transition to civilian life and avoid the stigma of a criminal conviction.

Opportunity Youth Program (OYP)

In recognition of the fifth anniversary of the Opportunity Youth Program (OYP), DA Susan Cacace delivered a Keynote Address! DA Cacace shared that OYP, established in the fall of 2020, offers disadvantaged young individuals in the New Rochelle City Court the chance to secure more favorable legal outcomes and connect with local positive community resources.

Yonkers PAL’s Annual Cocktail Hour Fundraiser

DA Susan Cacace was honored to attend the Yonkers PAL’s Annual Cocktail Hour Fundraiser at Zuppa Restaurant in Yonkers last night.

The Yonkers PAL continues to do amazing work with our most vulnerable youth in Yonkers.

Westchester DA’s office presents donation to
New Dawn in North Salem

The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office presented a donation of $3,353 to the New Dawn Family Resource Center on Friday, Oct. 31, at the North Salem Courthouse, following a monthlong fundraising effort in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Peekskill man found guilty of murdering Westchester social worker Maria Coto

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced today that a trial jury found Hasseem Jenkins guilty Wednesday afternoon of murdering Department of Social Services worker Maria Coto in 2024.

Fugitive from justice sentenced to 18 years in prison for 2008 rape charge

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that a fugitive from justice who absconded to Mexico after raping a young child over a decade ago was sentenced Friday to 18 years in state prison.

Yonkers man found guilty of robbery and assault of elderly man

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that a Yonkers man was convicted on several counts for robbing and assaulting an elderly man in Yonkers.

Mount Vernon gang member convicted of weapons charges including possession of an m-11 9mm machine pistol

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that a 28-year-old Mount Vernon gang member was convicted on several counts of weapons possession. This jury trial was presided over by Westchester County Court Judge Maurice D. Williams.

Yorktown Man Pleads Guilty to Murdering 15-Year-Old Michael Raimondi Last Year

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that Fernando Jimenez Meza, 41, of Yorktown Heights, pleaded guilty Thursday afternoon to murdering 15-year-old Michael Raimondi at the Raimondi family household in Somers last year, in addition to attempting to murder Raimondi’s brother and mother and committing other, related felonies.

Man who beat social worker to death after she mistakenly knocked on his door convicted of murder

Hasseem Jenkins was found guilty of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Mount Vernon man sentenced to 40 years for spree of sexual abuse and exploitation of minors

A Mount Vernon man has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for committing the federal offense of coercion and enticement of a minor.

Westchester DA Hosts School Safety Symposium, Draws New Rochelle Leaders

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace hosted a school safety symposium at the courthouse, bringing together over 150 superintendents, principals, school resource officers, police chiefs and commissioners, counselors, social workers and security coordinators from public and private schools across the county, from Yonkers to Yorktown.

Westchester DA bake sale raises over $3,300 for survivors of domestic violence

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said a bake sale, organized by her office, raised over $3,300 for the New Dawn Family Resource Center in North Salem, which provides support and resources to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence and trauma.

Click here to view as webpage

We Honor Our Veterans and Their Unique Circumstances!

Opportunity Youth Program (OYP)

Westchester DA’s office presents donation to ﻿﻿New Dawn in North Salem

Fugitive from justice sentenced to 18 years in prison for 2008 rape charge

Westchester DA’s office presents donation to
New Dawn in North Salem