Both the Yonkers Police and Human Resources Department continue to investigate complaints filed by former City Council Majority Leader Tasha Diaz and Member Corazón Pineda-Isaac related to threatening remarks and their recording.
The threats
Beginning in at least 2022, there have been alleged threats of violence from Tasha Diaz towards fellow member Corazón Pineda-Isaac. The earliest evidence came in a surreptitiously recorded audio file that documents Diaz saying she would, “slap the taste out of [Pineda-Isaac’s] mouth.” At the time, Pineda-Isaac attempted to handle the matter privately with her colleague. However, per an HR complaint filed last month, Pineda-Isaac alleges Diaz’s behavior only “continued and worsened.”
This worsened behavior culminated in a remark made after the January 2nd City Council re-organization meeting. During that meeting, Pineda-Isaac spoke out against Diaz’s re-approval as the body’s Majority Leader. Some in attendance overheard Diaz saying an explicitly violent statement just after the meeting adjourned. While exact quotes slightly vary, witnesses in the chamber, and also in the City Council President’s Office, have similar accounts. They all recall Diaz saying something like, “Let me get outta here before I slit this b****’s throat.”
After Pineda-Isaac heard of this remark, she filed a two-page complaint addressed to HR Commissioner Carlos Moran. In it, she pleads for a resolution to this aggression before Diaz “physically harms me or someone else.”
The criminal complaints
On Tuesday, February 6th, both Pineda-Isaac and Diaz filed criminal complaints with the Intelligence Division of the Yonkers Police Department.
Pineda-Isaac claims persistent harassment from her colleague. The repeated violent language both heard by witnesses and caught on tape, therefore necessitated her need to involve law enforcement.
Diaz likewise filed a complaint on this matter, specifically referencing the audio recording. Essentially, Diaz claims Pineda-Isaac illegally obtained this recording and wishes her prosecuted for this offense. While New York State only requires one party to consent to a recording, Diaz alleges that Pineda-Isaac was not a party to the conversation. The “slap” remarks were uttered in Yonkers City Hall, but behind the closed door of the Majority Leader’s office.
Per NY Penal Law 250.00, “a person is guilty of eavesdropping when he unlawfully engages in wiretapping, mechanical overhearing of a conversation, or intercepting or accessing of an electronic communication.” Pineda-Isaac’s recording of Diaz’s comment from an adjacent room could constitute “mechanical overhearing.” Although, Pineda-Isaac’s defense may be that yelling violent threats in a public place is not protected simply by closing a door.
Vote to replace
Two days after the criminal complaints were filed, the City Council took its unique power to hold Diaz accountable for her conduct. During a special meeting held on February 8th, the City Council unanimously voted to remove Diaz as its Majority Leader. Council Member from the Fourth District, John Rubbo, now holds that leadership office; relinquishing his Majority Whip title to Deana Robinson.
However, in a surprising second vote, the Council also passed a resolution censuring Pineda-Isaac for the recording itself. The resolution scolded Pineda-Isaac for breaking the trust of the Council Members. However, the soon-to-be-censured Pineda-Isaac used her public comments to issue a tearful plea for the missing condemnation to her accused aggressor.
The ongoing investigations
The day after the vote to remove Tasha Diaz from leadership, we contacted the YPD regarding the police complaints. With not much to report, we followed up on February 26th. Even then, the investigation remained open with no formal police reports verified. The YPD did state that it had spoken with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office on these complaints.
Our outreach to the DA produced a confirmation and little else. “We are aware of the complaints and don’t have further comment,” responded their Public Information Officer.
Lastly, what still remains is the HR Department’s investigation led by Commissioner Carlos Moran. While the COY Communications Director informed us that, “the investigation is still ongoing and should be finalized soon,” our independent research reveals not a lot has been done. Specifically, that sources within COY with direct knowledge of the claims inform us they have not been interviewed by HR or any investigatory body.
As the reviews continue, security measures have been strengthened in City Hall. The practice of security officers signing in both staff and guests by showing their legal identification has returned. Furthermore, a new Sergeant-at-Arms now also secures every City Council meeting. While neither change may be related to the conduct alleged within the City Council, an effort to make those present within the building feel more secure exists nonetheless.
