A city employee in Allentown, Pennsylvania, has been arrested for allegedly fabricating a report about finding a noose on her desk. LaTarsha Brown made the claim on January 10, prompting an investigation by the Allentown Police Department.
The police began looking into the incident after Brown reported the noose, which she said was discovered when she arrived at City Hall. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and access records to identify who had been on the third floor of the building during the time frame in question.
As part of the investigation, police interviewed city employees and asked them to provide DNA samples. While most agreed, Brown initially cooperated but later requested that the investigation be stopped. Eventually, police obtained a DNA sample from her through a search warrant.
On March 10, forensic analysis showed that Brown’s DNA matched the DNA found on the noose. Authorities confirmed that no other DNA profiles were detected on the evidence. Consequently, Brown faces charges for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and for making false reports to law enforcement.
Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca stated that he could not comment on Brown’s employment status, but confirmed she is still employed by the city. Mayor Matt Tuerk called the incident serious and emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe workplace for city employees. He expressed gratitude for the thorough investigation conducted by local and state police, as well as the FBI.
Brown’s case bears similarities to high-profile incidents involving false hate crime reports, such as that of actor Jussie Smollett, who was convicted of staging a hate crime in 2019. Brown is scheduled for a preliminary court hearing on April 22.