Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard is at the center of a lawsuit alleging that she tipped off a basketball coach about an investigation into accusations of molesting a minor. The coach, Dwayne Murray, was arrested on May 15, charged with the sexual abuse of a 12-year-old girl over a period of more than a year.
The lawsuit, filed by community activist Gabriel Thompson, claims that Mayor Patterson-Howard summoned Murray to City Hall in late April, almost two weeks before his arrest, to inform him of the pending investigation. This allegation stems from a text message received by the mayor on April 28, which referenced allegations against a "middle-aged close associate" involving inappropriate relations with a 14-year-old and theft from a nonprofit organization.
The mayor, who has made strides in revitalizing Mount Vernon and followed two predecessors with criminal charges, has not directly addressed the accusation of warning Murray. Her office has labeled the lawsuit as politically motivated and unfounded, insisting that these claims seek to derail the progress within the city.
Murray, who served as executive director of the Mount Vernon Junior Knights youth basketball program, has been held without bail at Westchester County Jail. Before his arrest, he released a video denying the allegations and calling them a "smear campaign." Despite this denial, he confirmed speaking with Mayor Patterson-Howard on April 28 about the text message she had received.
The lawsuit also mentions that Mayor Patterson-Howard is accused of misusing public funds for personal gain, including campaigning for school board candidates during work hours and using taxpayer money for personal police security details on trips. This has added to the scrutiny of city officials and their accountability, particularly as Mount Vernon has a history of political scandals involving financial misconduct and tax evasion by former mayors.
As the legal proceedings advance, Mount Vernon residents and activists are increasingly worried about governance and oversight. The case against Mayor Patterson-Howard raises significant questions about ethical behavior and transparency in public office.
