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A Message from the District Attorney...
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
Yesterday, I convened the second meeting of my Hate Crimes Advisory Board, which gathers quarterly to discuss issues of import to the community.
I know this is an area of profound concern for all of you, and our work to combat hate crimes is among the most significant priorities for my administration.
Already this year, our office has begun investigating multiple hate-fueled offenses in Westchester that have been referred to our office, including three instances of antisemitic hate, two of anti-Black hate, two of anti-Hispanic hate, one of anti-gay hate, one of anti-Jordanian hate and one of anti-Palestinian hate.
I also heard from my Board Members about potential incidents of hate within their networks that had gone unreported to the police. If you or someone you know witnesses the commission of a hate crime, or comes across a hateful symbol, I strongly encourage you to report it to the police or to the Westchester County Human Rights Commission. We can only act when we are made aware of these offenses, and it is important that we have a direct line to our community members who fall victim to this conduct.
My office also has a tip line with its own dedicated inbox for reports of hate crimes. You can reach it at (914) 995-TIPS (8477). Our Hate Crimes Unit, which is staffed with two attorneys and an analyst, reviews all of these messages and investigates any allegations where there is a nexus to criminal conduct.
On a separate note, this weekend will mark the end of my D.A.S.H. safer streets initiative, conducted in partnership with the State Police, Troop K. Last newsletter, I reported to you that our Troop K colleagues issued approximately 438 tickets on the Sprain Brook Parkway during the first week of the initiative.
I will report back soon with final numbers from the entire month, showing how this enforcement blitz translated into road safety.
This week also marked the beginning of the trial of Kenya Tilford, whom my office is prosecuting for allegedly torturing and murdering an intimate partner in 2023, among other offenses. This is the first time in Westchester history that we are prosecuting a torture killing under the provisions of the Penal Law. As this is an ongoing trial, I cannot comment further on the allegations against Ms. Tilford, who is presumed innocent until proven guilty. But I encourage you all to keep up with the trial as it proceeds over the next 3 – 4 weeks.
Finally, for everyone observing the holy month of Ramadan, I would like to wish you all a peaceful rest of your fast.
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