DSS Employee Knocked on the Wrong Door; Westchester County to Increase Security
Peekskill apartments where social worker was beaten
By Dan Murphy
A Westchester County Department of Social Service social worker remains in critical condition one month after she was attacked in Peekskill. Maria Coto, 56, knocked on the wrong door during a home visit and was beaten nearly to death by Hasseem Jenkins, 31.
The incident occured at 3pm on May 14, at apartments in the rear of 900 South Street, Peekskill. According to the criminal complaint, on May 14, Hasseem Jenkins, “… repeatedly punch[ed] [Maria] Coto with his fists and did repeatedly kick Ms. Coto with heavy boots … above the head and body causing Ms. Coto to sustain severe brain bleed, swelling of the brain, and multiple facial fractures …”
Neighbors in the apartments said that Jenkins grabbed Soto after she ran away from his apartment, threw her to the ground, repeatedly yelling “I’m going to kill you bitch.”
Peekskill police quickly arrived after 911 calls were made and arrested Jenkins, charging him with second-degree attempted murder, a Class A-1 felony, and first-degree assault. Soto was taken by ambulance to Westchester Medical Center and put on a ventilator.
In the complaint, the District Attorney’s office states that the victim required immediate surgery at Westchester Medical Center and requires a ventilator in order to breathe.
The Peekskill Herald reported that Jenkins has a violent criminal history that includes disorderly conduct for fighting and violent behavior in 2023, and in 2011 he was charged with 2nd degree assault, a Class D felony, for punching a 16 year old boy in the face leaving a party.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “This unforeseen and tragic incident has prompted us to take immediate action to protect our personnel from further harm while they perform their duties on behalf of the County of Westchester. DSS staff perform essential work within the community, we respect them and we want to do all we can to keep them safe.”
Westchester County has announced additional safety measures for its staff. Effective immediately, DSS will offer enhanced security escorts for staff during community and home visits. While DSS has long provided escort services, the new initiative expands their availability to cover more visits and programs.
Century Protective Services, Inc. will provide escorts on a case-by-case basis to assist DSS staff.
DSS Commissioner Leonard Townes said: “Due to the urgent nature of this situation, DSS has determined that an immediate contract with a security services provider is necessary. Our employees perform the most selfless work, and we want to ensure their safety every step of the way.”
We join Latimer in saying, “Our thoughts are with Marie Coto and her family during this difficult time.”
Jenkins faces 25 year in prison.
