A city employee in Allentown, Pennsylvania, has been arrested for allegedly staging a hate crime. LaTarsha Brown reported finding a noose on her desk at work on January 10, 2025. This claim led to a significant investigation involving local police, the FBI, and state authorities.
According to the Allentown Police Department, Brown contacted them early in the morning to report the incident. The investigation quickly expanded as law enforcement reviewed video footage and access records to identify who had been in the building around the time the noose was placed.
Police interviewed several employees who worked on the same floor as Brown. All but Brown agreed to provide DNA samples for testing. Initially cooperative, Brown later asked for the investigation to stop.
On March 10, forensic testing confirmed that Brown’s DNA matched the samples taken from the noose. No other DNA was found on the evidence. As a result, she was charged with two misdemeanors: tampering with physical evidence and making false reports to law enforcement.
This incident highlights the serious consequences of fabricating hate crimes, which can divert resources and attention from real incidents of hate and discrimination. Brown’s case is a reminder of the importance of integrity in reporting such sensitive matters.
