WHITE PLAINS, NY – Westchester County social workers gathered Thursday to honor one of their own who beaten to death at work.
Maria Coto died on June 19, weeks after she was beaten by a man after accidentally knocking on his door while I was trying to visit a client from the Department of Social Affairs. Her death at the age of 56 came as a devastating shock to everyone at DSS.
“We don’t want to think about what happened to Maria. We want to focus on the Maria her friends knew, her co-workers knew and her CSEA family,” said Hattie Adams, president of CSEA Unit 9200.
She loved dancing and the color pink. Many of those at Thursday night’s vigil wore pink to honor her. Colleagues said she had a big heart and a deep dedication to her career as a social worker.
“We hope that Maria gets justice for what happened to her, yes,” Adams said.
Costs are expected to increase
The indictment describes a heinous crime. Coto was punched and kicked repeatedly on May 14, allegedly by a man wearing heavy boots, after accidentally knocking on his door.
Haseem Jenkins, 31, was charged with attempted murder and assault before Coto died. A grand jury is expected to bring another murder indictment soon. He remains in jail without bail pending enhanced charges.
What is there now to protect social workers
Social workers say they never know what to expect when they visit homes in the field. New security measures have been put in place since Coto’s attack, including more workers going out in pairs and emergency funding to provide extra security escorts for those who request them.
“We will continue to ensure that we work with the province to ensure the safety, health and well-being of all our members,” Adams said.
The union is in constant consultation with the province about safety in the field, including looking at whether technology such as a remote panic button could help.
Tony Aiello
