Enraged Ex-Boyfriend Repeatedly Strangled And Beat Westchester Woman After She Refused To Speak With Him: DA

WHITE PLAINS, NY — A Westchester County man who terrorized his ex is now facing a slew of felony charges.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that a White Plains man was charged in a 13-count indictment, accused of strangling and assaulting his ex-girlfriend during a violent attack in June and repeatedly violating an order of protection following his arrest.

Micah Jackson, 21, was arraigned on Aug. 25, in Westchester County Court on one count of felony strangulation, two counts of felony criminal contempt, two counts of grand larceny, petit larceny, two counts of third-degree assault, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, criminal contempt, and three counts of harassment.

Jackson pleaded not guilty and was released from custody on $10,000 cash bail. He is due back in court on Sept. 16.

"Domestic violence is a devastating crime that inflicts profound trauma on victims, and what begins behind closed doors can too often escalate into horrific and dangerous conduct," Cacace said. "Every victim deserves to know that they are not alone and have allies in law enforcement who will stand beside them. In this case, our prosecutors worked diligently alongside investigators from the Yonkers Police Department to ensure that the defendant is held accountable for his persistent and violent conduct."

The DA said the victim's courage in this case will help other women in the future, and reminded those in similar peril that there is help available.

"I commend the victim for her bravery," Westchester's top prosecutor said. "And I applaud the collaborative efforts that went into this case, which was strengthened by New York's STRIVE initiative. STRIVE (Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Partner Violence) is a program focused on reducing domestic violence statewide and preventing serious injury and homicide in high-risk cases. Together, we can work to break the cycle of abuse."

On June 1, around 8:30 p.m., Jackson approached his ex-girlfriend near Nepperhan Avenue and Yonkers Avenue, in Yonkers, and struck her in the face and placed his hands around her neck, applying pressure, after she refused to talk to him, prosecutors say. When the victim broke free, she ran towards her car and jumped into the back seat, but Jackson grabbed her keys, opened the door, and proceeded to strike her in the face, according to the allegations in charging documents.

The victim escaped from the car and got in a taxi, but Jackson followed her into the cab before they arrived at another nearby location, according to prosecutors. When the victim asked Jackson to return her car keys, he charged at her, punched her in the face, and strangled her until she lost consciousness, investigators said.

Jackson left the location with the victim's car and stole her cellphones, according to police.

A temporary order of protection was issued against Jackson following the arrest, but prosecutors say he violated that order on June 14, June 15, and June 24.

The investigation was conducted by the Yonkers Police Department's Domestic Violence Unit, with assistance from the Westchester County District Attorney's Domestic Violence Bureau and Yonkers Branch.

Jackson has two additional open cases in Yonkers, according to authorities.

"Breaking the cycle of intimate partner violence is not just about a single arrest, it requires a coordinated community response," Yonkers Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza said. "I commend the District Attorney's Office for their unwavering support in these cases. As our dedicated officers in the Domestic Violence Unit wrap up their investigation, the District Attorney's Office will see justice through to the end. Through the resources made available by the STRIVE initiative, the Yonkers Police Department is better equipped than ever to enhance domestic violence investigations and connect survivors with the needed resources to begin their journey toward safety and healing."