facility dog lewis

Oct. 2, 2020 (White Plains) -- Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. is introducing the Office’s first “facility dog,” Lewis is specially trained to work with victims and witnesses to help relieve their stress during the criminal justice process.Lewis will help make what is often a traumatic and stressful experience a bit easier for those who, through no fault of their own, find themselves involved in our criminal justice system. As of mid-September, Lewis became a full-time member of the DA staff.

DA Scarpino explains, “For witnesses and victims, sitting through interviews and preparing for trial is a very stressful time, especially for child witnesses, victims of domestic and elder abuse, and victims of sexual assault. Retelling and reliving those moments can be extremely difficult. Medical professionals have confirmed that having a dog to comfort them, whether in meetings or in court, can help relieve that stress. We are delighted to bring this extra special level of care to those who need it most. Lewis is a great addition to our Office and the work we do for the people of Westchester.”

Lewis is a 2-year-old Labrador retriever and his trained handler is Assistant District Attorney Brian Bendish of the Superior Court Trial Division. Bendish took three weeks of specialized training to bond with Lewis and learn the 40 advanced commands Lewis responds to. The training consisted of intensive lectures, hands-on training, and multiple examinations in order to acquire public certification. Training is ongoing, requiring strict consistency and structure implemented by ADA Bendish to ensure Lewis adheres to his trained behaviors. As part of his work, Bendish will attend all appointments with Lewis, issue his commands, and oversee the dog’s daily needs.

ADA Bendish said, “Lewis is an exceptional animal. He is amazingly calm and sweet. He is trained not to approach anyone unless he is told to. I really look forward to seeing how his easy demeanor will de-stress situations for our victims and witnesses. I am really excited to continue to integrate Lewis into the DA’s Office and let him do this important job going forward. I think he is just a great addition to our Office.”

Lewis was raised and trained by the nonprofit Canine Companions for Independence and has been granted to the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office free of charge. It’s estimated that his two years of training and that of his handler costs roughly $50,000, paid for by donations to Canine Companions. The cost of his ongoing care and feeding is being taken care of by private funds within the Office. Every Division is delighted that Lewis is onboard. Canine Companions is the nation’s first and largest service dog organization, training dogs for special service roles since 1975.

“Canine Companions is thrilled to be partnering with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. Our continued connection working with our NYS District Attorneys is exemplified by the newest addition of Facility Dog Lewis,” said Debra Dougherty, Executive Director, Canine Companions for Independence Northeast Region. “Facility Dog Lewis’s sweet and very loyal demeanor paired with his handler will be a huge asset to their community, working with vulnerable victims and witnesses. Lewis will bring much needed smiles and support to families in the criminal justice setting, as well as bridging a much-needed gap between the community and the system.”

DA Scarpino holding press conference

teenagers on cell phones

Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. announced auto crimes continue to rise in the County at extremely high rates. Recent reports show widespread car thefts in residential areas including Scarsdale, where stolen vehicles have spiked by as much as 2000 percent over the same period from last year.

Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. announced auto crimes continue to rise in the County at extremely high rates. Recent reports show widespread car thefts in residential areas including Scarsdale, where stolen vehicles have spiked by as much as 2000 percent the same period from last year.According to Scarpino, every municipality in the County has reported at least one theft and other incidents. Statistics compiled by the District Attorney’s Office Westchester Intelligence Center from local law enforcement show a year-over-year increase of 60 percent through the end of August.

Scarpino said, “While we do know of groups of professional thieves from New Jersey stealing luxury vehicles and exporting them for the overseas black market, a majority of thefts in the suburbs are carried out mostly by teens and young people from Connecticut’s urban areas who are coming into Westchester, stealing cars which are left unlocked and with a fob/key left in the car. The theft is bad enough, but these vehicles are being used to commit other crimes and endangering the lives of others. Some have been involved in police pursuits resulting in accidents. If you leave your car unlocked, you are helping criminals and putting others in danger.”

In addition to the vehicle thefts, police are also seeing a rise in vehicle “grab-and-go” thefts, where thieves help themselves to valuables left in the car.

“We reminded residents earlier in the summer and we are doing it again. The numbers are staggering. As auto thefts and grab-and-go crimes continue to plague the County along with the pandemic, I urge residents to be careful to lock their vehicles. These are crimes of opportunity,” said DA Scarpino.

The District Attorney’s Auto Theft Unit and the Westchester County Intelligence Center are assisting local police and the National Insurance Crime Bureau, as well as law enforcement partners in Connecticut, in these investigations.

Comparative year-to-date statistics for the time period ending Aug. 31, 2020

  • Between Jan. 1 through Aug. 31, 2020, a total of 540 vehicles were stolen.
  • Between Jan. 1 through Aug. 31, 2019, a total of 338 vehicles were stolen.
  • The total number of vehicles stolen in 2019 were 519.

Outside of the four big cities, Rye, Scarsdale, Harrison, North Castle, Greenburgh have seen the largest number of stolen vehicles in 2020 year to date.

Police Jurisdiction
Rye - 23
Scarsdale - 21
Harrison -19
North Castle - 15
Greenburgh - 15

Communities with the largest increases in thefts this year so far are Scarsdale, Rye Brook, Sleepy Hollow, Town of Mamaroneck and Irvington.

Police Jurisdiction  2019  2020  Percent Increase 
 Scarsdale  1  21  2000
 Rye Brook  1  13  1200
 Sleepy Hollow  0  7  700
 Mamaroneck Town  0  6  600
 Irvington 0 4  400

Tips to keep your vehicle from being stolen or rifled through:

  • Never leave your key or key fob in the car
  • Never leave car running unattended
  • Never keep garage door openers in the car if it is not parked in a locked garage
  • Always lock the car doors
  • Always remove or hide all valuables
  • Always activate your alarm if you have one
  • Always close the car windows
  • Always park in a well-lit area at night if possible

Put a stop to auto theft

  • Spread the word.
  • Lock your car.
  • Take the fob and put it far enough away so it doesn’t work.
  • Set a phone alarm every night to remind you to lock up before calling it a night!

The DA’s Office has launched a social media campaign to combat thefts. See our social accounts and share on Facebook and Twitter. #WestchesterSafe

teenagers on cell phones

May 20, 2020 – During the continued COVID-19 stay-at-home period, Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. is calling on parents to be extra vigilant about their child’s online and mobile activity on social apps like TikTok and Instagram. Because of their added time online with schools closed, children, especially their tweens and teens, may be at increased risk of cyber bullying, sexual exploitation, scams and other forms of digital abuse.


In recent weeks, DA’s Cybercrime Bureau and criminal investigators have been made aware of a number of incidents in our area where young people have posted content or entered into online relationships that are sexual in nature via social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram and the gaming chat app, Discord. Others have been flagged for taking part in online scams and the dissemination of hate messaging. The FBI has reported an uptick in reported incidents.

While our investigations continue, DA Scarpino is alerting parents and caregivers: “During the COVID crisis, with schools closed and classrooms moved online, everyone has accepted our children now have more internet time than ever–both for education and recreation. It’s easy for kids to put themselves in vulnerable positions with improper online interactions and it’s up to parents to help keep them safe.”

DA Scarpino added, “We are calling on parents to actively supervise and monitor their children’s usage and become familiar with popular apps, such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, interactive gaming platforms and chat rooms.”

Parents can learn more about how to protect their children from potential online exploitation or bullying at Netsmartz.org, a service of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or the Department of Justice.

Specific tips include:

  • Set limits on online usage
  • Create mobile curfews: Turn off phones at night and store them with your phone
  • Set parental controls where possible
  • Know your child’s passwords
  • Remind young children especially: Don’t “talk” to strangers. Explain that people online can make up identities and may take advantage of them
  • Block and report users who make them feel uncomfortable

If you believe your child is a victim of an illegal online interaction, notify your local police or the DA’s Cybercrime Bureau by filing a complaint.

Join us as we promote #StaySafeOnline #WestchesterSafe

teenagers on cell phones

July 6, 2020 -- As of Monday, July 6, 2020, new protocols are in place for the health and safety of the public as well as the employees of the court system at the Richard J. Daronco County Courthouse in White Plains. Upon entering the lobby, you will find not only the screening area for security but also health screenings for the coronavirus, COVID-19.

Whether you are in the courthouse because you are an attorney, a witness, a victim, a defendant or a visitor, wear a mask for your safety and that of others. Upon entering, you will be stopped by the New York State Court Officers assigned to the lobby and asked a series of health screening questions. In addition, an officer wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) will take your temperature by infrared thermometer without physical contact.

Questions will include whether or not you have come into contact with or been exposed to a COVID-positive person. If your temperature is less than 100 F, and you answer "no" to the questions, you will be allowed to go through the security checkpoint to enter the building.

If your temperature is higher or if you have had contact with a COVID-positive person, you will be asked your name and your reason for being in the courthouse. If you are there for a legal matter, in addition to your name, the officer will register the case name, index number and the name of the judge who is scheduled, as well as the reason for your court visit (e.g., scheduled hearing or other proceeding). You are not obligated to provide this information. However, either way, you will be instructed:

  1. To leave the court facility immediately. 
  2. If you are a represented party in a court matter, your must notify your attorney of the incident.
  3. If you are an unrepresented party in a court matter, you must contact the clerk's office (at a number provided) and seek further instructions.

Keeping everyone’s safety in mind, DA Scarpino said, “Please be patient. While this extra layer of health screening will take time, we hope you understand both the court system and our staff care deeply about the health and safety of everyone seeking help from the justice system. We are here to keep Westchester safe and, during this pandemic, taking these health precautions is another way to do so. Help us protect you and all the employees who are here to serve.”

In addition to screening upon entering the courthouse, other safety measures are in place. The building is undergoing additional cleaning measures; hand sanitizers are available to all; and elevators are limited to two occupants at a time. Please, follow directions clearly posted throughout the area.

Coronavirus Image

“May 15 is probably circled in red on many calendars. It was the date the New York State Pause Policy would end but, for us here in Westchester, it has not. Instead, New York State is working region-by-region to decide what will and will not be allowed to reopen and what steps we will continue to take to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Westchester is part of the mid-Hudson region and still must follow the Pause Policy until the State gives us a green light to move forward. Non-essential businesses must remain closed with few exceptions.

Even as some work resumes, social distancing remains in place whether indoors or out. Anyone who cannot stay more than six feet away from others, must wear a mask. I know it’s not easy, but just like everyone else, my staff and I are following this guidance. We urge you to be patient and follow the law for the health and safety of all of us.

Our work is guided by the New York State Court system. While certain procedures have been curtailed, felony arraignments continue to be held via video-conferencing. As of this past week, felony hearings have been scheduled and are proceeding in a similar “virtual” manner. Once our region meets the Governor’s COVID benchmarks for reopening, court operations will normalize and judges and staff will return to their courthouses with specific guidance to keep everyone safe.

In general, with most everyone confined to their homes, crime is down but there are a few troubling areas. Auto thefts and related crimes of opportunity where thieves simply open unlocked cars and take valuables continue to be on the rise over last year. Lock your cars at all times and take your keys or key fob with you. Protect your property.

We continue to be concerned about domestic violence and with what we are not seeing–the unreported abuse in homes where victims are isolated with their abusers. It may take the form of intimate partner abuse, child abuse or elder abuse. We are working closely with all of our partners in the County to prevent potential abuse and recurrent abuse. We ask all of you to be vigilant. If you believe someone you know, of any age, may be the victim of abuse, report it to police or call our office. We are here to help.

Gun violence is a major concern. When overwhelming stress is mixed with a gun, death is often the result. There have been two incidents of family murder-suicides in the county since the Pause began, killing five people. In addition to those deaths, five others have been fatally shot since April 1st. Every death is a tragedy we don’t want to see repeated.
We urge you, if you believe someone you care about is in crisis and has access to weapons, raise the red flag. If there is an imminent threat, call 911. If you believe there is time to act, call our office for help in obtaining an extreme risk protection order. We have a designated team to help.

While we continue to live under restrictions brought on by the COVID crisis and deal with all the changes in the world around us, please know we still are here for you. Our phones in every unit are staffed as always. The Victims Justice Center is operating by phone and virtual connections. Our website is a great resource to find the help you need.

I want to thank all essential workers, including my staff, who are keeping us safe in our communities whether in hospitals or on the streets. Together we will get through this, together we will keep Westchester safe.”