Corrupt Westchester Surrogate's Court Brings Out Worst In People

Police: Former court employee harassed co-worker
The Journal News by Rebecca Baker - June 29, 2009

WHITE PLAINS, NY - A former Surrogate's Court employee is accused of harassing a former co-worker inside the Westchester County courthouse, at one point throwing an umbrella at her during a heated confrontation. Charmain Smalls, 31, of 32-42 107th St., Queens, was arrested last week and charged with second-degree harassment, a violation. She was released on her own recognizance and ordered to appear in White Plains City Court on July 10. Westchester County police said Smalls entered Surrogate's Court on Thursday and began arguing with Deupty Chief Clerk Johanna O'Brien. The argument escalated and Smalls threw an umbrella, hitting O'Brien in the chest, county police said. The incident prompted more than two dozen court officers to respond to Surrogate's Court, which is on the 19th floor of the courthouse in downtown White Plains. State Supreme Court Justice Anthony Scarpino Jr., who heads the Surrogate's Court, directed all questions about the confrontation to David Bookstaver, spokesman for the New York State Office of Court Administration. Bookstaver identified Smalls today and confirmed that she had been arrested. He declined to offer further details about the incident, saying it was an "internal dispute." Surrogate's Courts handle wills, estates and property of those who are deceased. The court also shares authority with Family Court on adoption matters. rebaker@lohud.com