WHITE PLAINS – A 30-year-old Yonkers woman was arrested on Wednesday afternoon for allegedly attacking a pregnant Westchester County Department of Social Services employee at the agency’s Yonkers district office.
Melissa Cochrane was arraigned on Christmas Day on three counts of assault in the second degree, one count of Assault in the third degree, and endangering the welfare of a child. According to a felony complaint filed in the case, on Wednesday, inside the Yonkers district office of the Westchester County Department of Social Services, the defendant became argumentative with DSS case workers who were attempting to comply with a court order.
The defendant grabbed a pregnant DSS worker on her neck and chest and forced her to the ground, according to the complaint.
“The safety of our social services employees, who go out into the community every day to provide essential services to those in need, is non-negotiable,” Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said. “As alleged, the defendant committed a brazen assault on a dedicated county employee who was simply doing her job. Public servants should never have to fear for their safety when they clock into work. I stand with all in this county who are outraged by this incident.”
In light of the attack, Cacace called for the passage of legislation that would enhance penalties for assaults on our social services employees.”
At Cochrane’s arraignment, prosecutors requested that she be held on bail of $25,000 cash/$50,000 secured bond/$100,000 partially secured bond. Judge Nichelle Johnson released the defendant, without bail, on her own recognizance.
The case is set to be heard next on Jan. 8.