WHITE PLAINS, NY (March 21, 2025) — Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace has hit the ground running since taking office on Jan. 1, charging suspects in a wave of violent crimes, pushing for new laws against AI-based fraud, and expanding community outreach programs, according to a newsletter released by her office.
Cacace, who campaigned on promises to combat hate crimes, protect vulnerable residents, and tackle rising violence, detailed her administration’s early achievements. “We responded to a wave of violent criminal activity in the early days of the New Year by charging multiple criminal suspects,” she wrote, signaling a tough stance on crime.
In a landmark move, Cacace partnered with County Executive Ken Jenkins to enact new prohibitions against AI-generated scams and “deep fake” imagery. Jenkins signed the legislation into law, with Cacace’s office tasked with prosecuting violators. The DA also announced plans to reveal more safety initiatives in the coming weeks.
Community engagement has been a cornerstone of her tenure. On Jan. 16, Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Asante delivered an internet safety presentation to sixth graders at Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School in Yorktown Heights, teaching students how to spot online dangers and report misconduct. Other ADAs have addressed teen dating violence and digital wellness in schools countywide.
Cacace herself joined the effort, reading a Dr. Seuss book to fourth graders at Justice Sonia Sotomayor Community School in Yonkers during Read Across America Week, observed from Mar. 2 to Mar. 6. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Criminal Investigator Wade Hardy spoke to Mount Vernon High School students about law enforcement careers and building police-community trust.
The DA’s office also honored Black History Month with a panel discussion by its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee on the Divine Nine Black Greek-letter organizations and their role in the Civil Rights Movement. On the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service, DEI representatives assembled over 100 meal kits for Feeding Westchester at the Rye branch office.
High-profile cases have kept Cacace in the spotlight. Her office secured the extradition of a Mexican national from Mexico to face a 2008 indictment for allegedly raping and sexually assaulting a pre-teen child. In another case, a New Rochelle man faced new child sexual abuse charges after being accused of dumping a 15-year-old boy’s body on a sidewalk. A multi-jurisdictional search led by Cacace’s team also rescued a missing 3-year-old toddler in February, spanning four counties and two states.
Inside the office, Cacace has prioritized staffing. New Assistant District Attorneys were sworn in, and promotions included Nancy Barry and George Hlapatsos as First Deputy District Attorneys, Andy Grascia as Chief Criminal Investigator, and others to senior roles. Attorney General Letitia James administered Cacace’s ceremonial oath of office.
“Never hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns,” Cacace wrote, promising regular updates via newsletter as she works to keep Westchester safe.