Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that Tairon Drake, 30, of Yonkers, was indicted on multiple felony charges for allegedly attacking his former partner inside their home, in front of their two children.
Drake was charged with the following crimes:
- Aggravated Criminal Contempt (D felony, 2 counts)
- First-Degree Criminal Contempt (E felony, 11 counts)
- Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation (A misdemeanor, 1 county)
- Third-Degree Assault (A misdemeanor, 2 counts)
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A misdemeanor, 3 counts)
He was arraigned on the charges Tuesday before Judge Susan Capeci, where he pleaded not guilty. Judge Capeci set bail at $10,000 cash/$100,000 insured bond/$150,000 partially secured bond.
DA Cacace said: “Research shows that women who experience strangulation or obstruction of breathing are far more likely to be killed by their intimate partner later on. That is why it is critical for law enforcement to intervene at this stage.
“Protecting and supporting domestic violence survivors is among the highest priorities for my administration. There is no safe harbor for abusers in Westchester County.”
As alleged in an earlier-filed felony complaint, on May 1, 2025, at their Yonkers home, Drake placed both hands around his former partner’s neck and applied pressure, verbally threatening to kill her. The next day, he is alleged to have slapped their then-9-year-old child across the face, splitting open her lip.
Each of these alleged acts is further alleged to have been committed in violation of an order of protection that had been issued against the defendant, for the benefit of his former partner and their children, in connection with a prior criminal case.
The investigation is being conducted by the Yonkers Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Morgan Helfman of the Special Prosecutions Division.
