Westchester DA highlights use of support dogs after Labrador helps 7-year-old victim testify in sex abuse case
The Westchester County District Attorney’s office is highlighting the use of an emotional support dog for the first time in county court history during a criminal trial to help a child victim testify about their sexual abuse.
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The Westchester County District Attorney’s office is highlighting the use of an emotional support dog for the first time in county court history during a criminal trial to help a child victim testify about their sexual abuse.
The 2-year-old Labrador retriever, Eddie, aided the 7-year-old girl during her testimony in October that resulted in a guilty verdict against 52-year-old Wilson Frias, who prosecutors say was a detective with the New York Police Department for 18 years.
The jury found that the child had been sexually assaulted by Frias during a playdate at a Briarcliff Manor home in March 2023.
“She was very nervous about testifying and really reluctant to face her abuser in court,” says Senior Westchester County Assistant District Attorney Charlotte Gudis. “When we introduced her to Eddie and brought up the idea of Eddie supporting her, she really lit up. She and Eddie bonded immediately.”
The trial marked the first time in Westchester County where the court granted the use of a support animal to accompany a victim to court on a criminal case and is only the second instance statewide.
Frias was sentenced to five years in prison, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision and will be required to register as a sex offender.
Eddie is handled by Tuckahoe Police Department Chief Larry Rotta and officially became a court certified support animal in July. He also provides emotional support to the Tuckahoe community and members of the police department.
“He’s trained to sense someone in a post-traumatic stress episode,” says Rotta. “He can sense grief. There are so many ways he’s being used to give back and we just look to more continued use of him giving back to the residents of Westchester County.”
The use of a certified support animal to help victims isn’t new in Westchester County. The district attorney’s office first began the practice with its 6-year-old black Labrador “facility dog” Lewis in 2020.
“He’s trained to work with crime victims and witnesses,” says Lewis’ handler, Westchester Senior Assistant District Attorney Brian Bendish. “After they meet him for the first time, he’s always the one they’re looking to see.”
Lewis was raised by and trained by Canine Companions for Independence and is paid for by donations provided to the nonprofit. Gudis says the support the animals provide to victims is essential.
“We hope it allows people to feel that if they do come forward {about a crime}, that the prosecutors in Westchester County will do absolutely everything to make them feel at ease.”
