Pennsylvania Official Charged in Alleged Hate Crime Hoax Involving Noose

LaTarsha Brown, a city employee and school board member, faces charges after DNA evidence linked her to the noose found on her desk.

LaTarsha Brown has been charged with tampering with evidence and filing a false report after allegedly staging a hate crime at Allentown City Hall on January 10, 2025.
Investigators determined that only Brown's DNA was found on the noose, which was described as miniature and made with black thread.
Brown initially cooperated with the investigation but later requested it be discontinued before her DNA was obtained via a court order.
The incident led to community protests and public outcry in January, with some supporters now alleging the charges are retaliatory.
Brown remains employed by the city, with her preliminary court hearing scheduled for April 22, 2025.