Statement from CSEA on conviction in Maria Coto case

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Maria Coto

ALBANY, NY (11/05/2025) (readMedia)-- ALBANY – CSEA, the largest union representing Westchester County employees, today responded to the conviction of Hasseem Jenkins in the killing of CSEA member Maria Coto.

"Nothing will ever make up for the tragic loss of Maria Coto, but we are grateful her loved ones and co-workers are finally seeing justice served," said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. "On behalf of CSEA, I would like to thank everyone involved in bringing justice for our union sister".

Maria Coto died on June 19, 2024, from injuries sustained during a brutal attack by Jenkins on May 14, 2024, while she was working in the Peekskill community. Coto, a senior caseworker at the county Department of Social Services, was conducting a home visit as part of her duties when she was viciously assaulted.

"The fact that Maria was murdered when she was just trying to do her job once again highlights the important responsibility that counties have to ensure their workers make it home safe," said Sullivan. "CSEA will continue to fight to ensure that workers are safer, including lobbying state and local governments. Maria Coto should be enjoying retirement right now. The only way we can truly honor her memory is by ensuring this never happens again."

Coto was a member of CSEA Westchester County Unit 9200 and had been planning to retire. CSEA represents caseworkers in counties across New York State as part of our union's membership of more than 250,000.

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About CSEA:

The Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) is one of the largest and most influential unions in New York and the United States. CSEA has about 250,000 members and represents state, county, municipal, school district, child care, and private sector employees. Formed in 1910, CSEA has improved the lives of hardworking New Yorkers for more than 100 years, and is the largest affiliate of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). For more information, visit cseany.org.