On December 24, 2025, Melissa Cochrane, 30, of Yonkers, New York, allegedly assaulted a pregnant Department of Social Services worker during an interaction at the agency’s Yonkers office. The incident occurred as case workers attempted to comply with a court order, when Cochrane reportedly became argumentative, grabbed the worker by the neck and chest, and forced her to the ground.​
Charges and Arrest
Cochrane faces three felony counts of second-degree assault, one count of third-degree assault, and one misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a child. Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace described the attack as a “brazen assault” on a public servant, emphasizing the need for enhanced protections for social services employees.​
Court Status
Arraigned on December 25, prosecutors sought significant bail, but a judge released Cochrane without bail on her own recognizance. She is due back in court on January 8, 2026. Details on the victim’s injuries remain unclear.​
