New Evidence Leads to Shocking Charges in Hate Crime Investigation

A Pennsylvania politician and city employee faces charges of staging a hate crime after DNA evidence allegedly linked her to a noose found at her own desk, while supporters rally to her defense, claiming she’s the victim of retaliation.

Top Takeaways

LaTarsha Brown, an Allentown city worker and school board member, is accused of planting a noose at her own desk and falsely reporting it as a hate crime.
DNA testing reportedly found only Brown’s DNA on the noose, and she was the only city employee who refused to voluntarily provide a DNA sample.
Brown initially cooperated with investigators but later requested that the investigation be discontinued.
Community supporters claim the charges are retaliatory and part of a smear campaign against Brown for her equity advocacy work.
The case echoes other high-profile alleged hate crime hoaxes like the Jussie Smollett incident from 2019.

Allegations of a Staged Hate Crime

Allentown city worker and school board member LaTarsha Brown has been charged with making a false report and tampering with evidence after allegedly staging a hate crime at her workplace. According to authorities, Brown reported finding a noose at her desk on January 10, prompting a criminal investigation by the Allentown Police Department. The discovery initially sparked outrage and protests at City Hall, with many community members demanding action against racism in the workplace. However, the investigation took an unexpected turn when forensic evidence reportedly implicated Brown herself.

Police Chief Charles Roca revealed that DNA testing conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police crime lab found only Brown’s DNA on the noose. Investigators had requested DNA samples from all potential suspects, including city employees who had access to the building. “Every city employee agreed, except for Ms. Brown,” said Roca. Authorities ultimately obtained Brown’s DNA through a court order, which allegedly matched the sample from the noose. The investigation also included a review of video surveillance and building access records to identify potential perpetrators.

Officials Express Shock and Disappointment

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk expressed disbelief at the turn of events, stating, “It’s doubly shocking that an employee would — that she would have fabricated this incident.” The mayor acknowledged that while the initial report had prompted important discussions about inclusivity at City Hall, the revelation that the incident may have been staged came as a surprise. “Today, we’re even more surprised to learn that it was likely fabricated by the employee herself,” Tuerk said in a public statement addressing the charges.

When the noose was first discovered, City Councilwoman Ce-Ce Gerlach had described herself as “irate and angry,” labeling the incident a hate crime. The investigation has not revealed any potential motive for Brown’s alleged actions, with Police Chief Roca declining to speculate on reasons, simply stating, “At this point, we’re not going to discuss that.” Despite the charges, authorities emphasized that Brown is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for April 22.

Community Support and Claims of Retaliation

Despite the evidence presented by authorities, Brown has found vocal supporters in the community who believe she is being unfairly targeted. Community organizer Josie Lopez has emerged as a prominent defender, suggesting the charges are politically motivated. “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,” Lopez stated, pointing to Brown’s history of advocacy for equity and justice as the real reason behind what she characterizes as persecution.

According to police records, Brown initially cooperated with investigators but later asked for the investigation to be discontinued. Her supporters have criticized how the case was handled, claiming Brown was not treated as a victim and was not offered proper security or protection following the discovery of the noose. Lopez and others continue to maintain Brown’s innocence while calling for public support ahead of her court appearance. Brown currently remains employed at City Hall and continues to serve on the Allentown School Board while the legal process unfolds.

Comparisons to Other Alleged Hate Crime Hoaxes

The case has drawn comparisons to actor Jussie Smollett’s 2019 incident, where he was convicted of staging a hate crime against himself in Chicago. Brown’s case adds to a growing list of alleged hate crime hoaxes that have garnered national attention and sparked debate about false reporting. These incidents often generate substantial initial outrage and media coverage, followed by community division when investigations lead to unexpected conclusions. The truth in Brown’s case will ultimately be determined through the judicial process, with her preliminary hearing set to begin revealing whether the evidence will hold up in court.