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Resident alleges police mishandling and sexual assault in public comment; council hears mixed praise and concern
Summary
During public comment resident Rosanna Conti alleged police mishandling of a January 2023 incident and said she was held in care and raped; the mayor thanked her. Other residents praised the police and proposed community outreach. The council did not announce an on‑the‑record investigation and moved to executive session later.
At the public comment portion of the Elmwood Park Mayor and Council meeting on June 12, resident Rosanna Conti made serious allegations about a January 2023 incident and the subsequent handling of her case by the police and a care facility.
"I was raped at the facility," Conti said during public comment, telling the council she had been confined for three weeks and that a subsequent police report she read did not reflect what she experienced. She identified herself as a long‑time resident and asked the council what would be done about the matter.
Mayor Coleti thanked Conti for speaking and referenced her recovery; he did not announce an immediate on‑the‑record investigation during the public portion. Borough staff did not provide an investigative timeline in response on the public record that evening.
Other residents used the public comment period to voice support for the Elmwood Park Police Department. Luis Castler thanked officers for their service and proposed a community block party or outreach to help residents get to know the department. Council and staff offered to coordinate follow‑up through municipal channels.
Earlier in the public comment period Gladys Crisquitz and others asked questions about the shade tree ordinance’s replacement requirements and urged a residential permit parking program to address business parking spillover; staff and the borough attorney explained that replacement requirements and permits would be part of the ordinances under consideration.
After public comment the council voted to enter executive session to discuss attorney‑client privileged matters. The public meeting record shows Conti’s allegations and community comments; the transcript does not record a formal investigative action or response from the police department during the public portion. Any follow‑up or investigation described in executive session would be reported when confidentiality permits.
