![\"Allentown](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/F2554E76E099B7CE7FC6CFC50B5E8C04.jpg\")
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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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But after two months of outrage and claims of racism, Allentown Police say Brown herself planted the noose.<\/p>\n
What we know:<\/p>\n
On January 10, LaTarsha Brown told police she discovered a noose on her desk when she arrived for work at Allentown City Hall.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Every employee, except Brown, agreed to provide a buccal swab for a DNA test if needed.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Police say Brown, who also serves on the Allentown School Board, then requested that the investigation be discontinued.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/25-1949-011025-investigation-009-scaled.jpg\")
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Picture of noose provided by Allentown Police in connection with the investigation. <\/p>\n
Dig deeper:<\/p>\n
After the noose was submitted for DNA testing days later, Brown’s DNA sample was obtained through a search warrant.<\/p>\n
Her DNA matched the DNA profile found on the noose, according to a forensic report issued on March 10.<\/p>\n
“No other person\u2019s DNA profile was found on the evidentiary items involved in this investigation,” police said in a release.<\/p>\n
![\"Noose](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/EFFA8FD866170D3C2912A390D2654E46.jpg\")
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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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
What they’re saying:<\/p>\n
“Shocking, disappointing is a good way to put it” said Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk who could not comment on Brown\u2019s employment status with the City.<\/p>\n
Tuerk says he\u2019s glad the cloud of suspicion against other City employees has been lifted.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
FOX 29 spoke to residents who say there\u2019s enough racism in society already without phony claims.<\/p>\n
“There\u2019s quite a little bit of it here in the City even in 2025. It\u2019s kind of disappointing from someone who works for the city” said one resident.<\/p>\n
Multiple calls and emails sent to Brown for a comment went unreturned.\u00a0<\/p>\n
What’s next:<\/p>\n
Brown is scheduled in court for a preliminary hearing\u00a0on April 22.\u00a0<\/p>\n
What we don’t know:<\/p>\n
Police did not say a motive.<\/p>\n
The Source: Information from this article was provided by the Allentown Police Department.<\/p>\n
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