A Pennsylvania employee was arrested after months of investigation, allegedly misrepresenting a rope found on a desk.
At a press conference Monday, the Allentown Police Department announced the arrest of city employee Ratalsha Brown. He said police reported it on Jan. 10 after reporting that he found a rope on a desk when he arrived at work at city hall.
Following Brown's report, a criminal investigation was launched, identifying the person responsible for placing the rope on her desk.
During the investigation, police said video surveillance and building access control records had been reviewed to identify city employees on the third floor of City Hall by the afternoon of Jan. 9 and the morning of Jan. 10, to identify city employees.
Jussy Smollett convicted by the Illinois Supreme Court
Officials in Allentown, Pennsylvania, announced Monday that city employees were charged after saying they planted a rope on their desk and filed a false report. (Allentown Police Station)
Police said each employee was interviewed and asked if they would provide buccal swabs for DNA testing if necessary.
Police said all city employees agreed, but Brown said he was “initially cooperative” but later demanded that the investigation be stopped.
A few days later, Brown's DNA samples were obtained through a search warrant after Nuth was submitted to the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Institute for DNA testing.
Jussie Smollett Appeal Chate Hate Crime Hoax's belief was not the “smartest” decision: Experts
An Allentown City employee was charged after reporting a rope found at a city hall desk. (Allentown Police Station)
According to a forensic report issued on March 10, police determined that Brown's DNA was consistent with the DNA found in the rope.
“No other person's DNA profiles were found in the evidence items involved in this investigation,” police said at their release.
The findings revealed that police said Brown is currently facing charges in connection with the investigation of the rope, including tampering with physical evidence and false reports to law enforcement, and adding false reports.
When asked about Brown's future employment, Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca said that although he could not comment, Brown is still employed by the city.
Bubba Wallace revisits the “Noose” incident in the Netflix series
Allentown, Pennsylvania seen from Tillman Street Bridge (Charles Kraitz/Fox News Digital)
Roca added that he cannot discuss his motivation for Brown's actions.
Brown is scheduled for a preliminary court hearing on April 22nd.
Allentown Mayor Matt Turk told Fox News Digital that this was a “serious incident” and that he is working closely with law enforcement.
“This is a serious incident that deeply affects employees who are dedicated to serving Allentown, and we pray for peace for all those affected,” Tuerk's office shared in a statement.
“We are grateful for the thorough investigation of Allentown PD, Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI. We continue to work towards a safe and welcoming workplace in our city.”
Click here to get the Fox News app
Brown's case mimics the case of actor Jussy Smollett, who reported to Chicago police that he was the victim of the incident. Racist and homophobic attacks In January 2019, two men wearing ski masks.
The “Empire” actor was originally convicted of a hate crime organisation, but after filing the petition, Smollett was charged by the Illinois Supreme Court in November 2024, finding that the judge should not be charged with a second time for breaching his rights.
Lauryn Overhultz of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, murder, national crime cases, illegal immigration and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
