City hall worker planted noose she reported finding on desk, Pennsylvania cops say

A noose found on the desk of a Black city hall worker in Pennsylvania prompted a monthslong investigation, with some calling it a possible hate crime.

Now, authorities have determined the worker planted the noose herself, and she is facing misdemeanor charges.

LaTarsha Brown, who the Allentown Police Department said attempted to discontinue the investigation into the noose, is charged with tampering with physical evidence and giving false reports to law enforcement authorities, according to a March 24 news release.

Brown works for Allentown’s Department of Community and Economic Development office and is also among the Allentown School District board of directors, Lehigh Valley Live reported.

On Jan. 10, Brown called officers and said she found a noose on her desk after she arrived to work, police said.

Councilwoman Ce-Ce Gerlach told Lehigh Valley News at the time the actions were a “hate crime,” indicating the investigation would be quick because of the cameras “all over City Hall.”

Dozens of people protested in front of the Allentown City Hall building days after the discovery, many calling for answers for the “egregious act,” KYW reported.

Workers on Brown’s floor cooperated in the investigation and provided DNA swabs. Brown, however, did not, according to police.

“Initially cooperative, Ms. Brown later requested that the investigation be discontinued,” police said.

A search warrant was executed Jan. 24 for Brown’s DNA, according to police. The results came back in March and showed Brown’s DNA matched the inner and outer portions of the noose, and “no other person’s DNA profiles” were found, police said.

Neither the city nor the school district has commented on the allegations against Brown. The city and school district did not immediately reply to a McClatchy News request for comment.

Police said during a March 24 news briefing that Brown is still employed with the city. Officers were unable to provide a motive.

Brown has served on the Allentown School District board since 2021 and is the chair of the legislative committee, the district said. She represents the city on the Pennsylvania School Boards Association.

This story was originally published March 24, 2025 at 3:54 PM.