Woman accused of planting noose on her own desk in Allentown City Hall
Allentown mayor speaks out after city worker charged with making false report
Latarsha Brown was charged with making a false report and tampering with evidence after she reported a noose was found on her desk in City Hall back in January.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Back in January, LaTarsha Brown told police she found what she thought was a rope noose on the desk at her third floor office at Allentown City Hall.
But after two months of outrage and claims of racism, Allentown Police say Brown herself planted the noose.
What we know:
On January 10, LaTarsha Brown told police she discovered a noose on her desk when she arrived for work at Allentown City Hall.
"Ms. Brown notified the Allentown Police Department that she discovered what she thought was a noose on her desk upon arriving to work" said Allentown Police Capt. Steve Milkovits.
Video surveillance and building access control records revealed the nine employees present between the time Brown left work the day before, and her arrival the next morning.
Every employee, except Brown, agreed to provide a buccal swab for a DNA test if needed.
"Those employees were interviewed each was asked if they could provide a buccal swab for DNA testing if needed. Every employee agreed except for Ms. Brown" said Captain Milkovits.
Police say Brown, who also serves on the Allentown School Board, then requested that the investigation be discontinued.
Picture of noose provided by Allentown Police in connection with the investigation.
Dig deeper:
After the noose was submitted for DNA testing days later, Brown's DNA sample was obtained through a search warrant.
Her DNA matched the DNA profile found on the noose, according to a forensic report issued on March 10.
"No other person’s DNA profile was found on the evidentiary items involved in this investigation," police said in a release.
Noose found in Allentown City Hall was planted by employee who reported it, police say
Officials in Allentown, Pennsylvania announced Monday that a city employee has been charged after they say she planted a noose on her own desk and filed a false report.
Brown is now facing charges in connection with the noose investigation, including tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and false reports to law enforcement authorities. Both are misdemeanor offenses.
What they're saying:
"Shocking, disappointing is a good way to put it" said Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk who could not comment on Brown’s employment status with the City.
Tuerk says he’s glad the cloud of suspicion against other City employees has been lifted.
"It does point out racism shows up everywhere. It shows up in unexpected ways and we have a strong responsibility to battle it particularly in our workplace, to create an inclusive work environment" Tuerk said.
FOX 29 spoke to residents who say there’s enough racism in society already without phony claims.
"There’s quite a little bit of it here in the City even in 2025. It’s kind of disappointing from someone who works for the city" said one resident.
Multiple calls and emails sent to Brown for a comment went unreturned.
What's next:
Brown is scheduled in court for a preliminary hearing on April 22.
What we don't know:
Police did not say a motive.
The Source: Information from this article was provided by the Allentown Police Department.