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.
