Westchester Man Accused Of Attacking, Choking Ex In Front Of Kids: DA

YONKERS, NY — An order of protection failed to prevent a terrifying domestic violence and child abuse case, according to prosecutors in Westchester County.

District Attorney Susan Cacace announced on Thursday that 30-year-old Tairon Drake, of Yonkers, was indicted on several felony charges after being accused of attacking his former partner inside their home, in front of their two children.

Drake was charged with two felony counts of aggravated criminal contempt, 11 felony counts of first-degree criminal contempt, a misdemeanor count of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, two misdemeanor counts of third-degree assault, and three misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

"Research shows that women who experience strangulation or obstruction of breathing are far more likely to be killed by their intimate partner later on," Cacace said. "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."

According to the felony complaint, on May 1, at their Yonkers home, Drake placed both hands around his former partner's neck and applied pressure, while verbally threatening to kill her. The next day, he slapped their 9-year-old child across the face, splitting open her lip, according to the complaint.

Cacace said that the abuse was committed despite an order of protection that had been issued against Drake, for the benefit of his former partner and their children, because of a previous criminal case.