A former New York police officer is facing charges after allegedly sending herself threatening text messages and then falsely accusing her colleagues, according to the Westchester District Attorney's Office. Emily Hirshowitz, who served with the Ossining Police Department, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of filing a false instrument and falsely reporting an incident.

Hirshowitz, recognized as Employee of the Year in 2018, initially reported receiving harassing and anonymous texts to the DA's office in May 2022. She claimed the messages, which included threats of suicide and derogatory language, were sent by fellow officers. The complaint prompted an investigation and concern from local leaders, who noted the escalating nature of the messages.

Despite Hirshowitz later attempting to withdraw her complaint, the DA's office continued the investigation, eventually obtaining a warrant to search her phone and iCloud account. Investigators allege that eight of the threatening message screenshots originated from her own devices, and several of the phone numbers linked to the messages were registered to her. Court documents also suggest the involvement of another individual known to the DA's office in connection with three other messages.

While court documents don't explicitly name any other officer, the attorney for former Ossining officer Louis Rinaldi, who resigned last year following unrelated disciplinary actions, confirmed his client is under investigation. Rinaldi's name reportedly surfaced during police interviews related to the text messages. Hirshowitz was released after her arrest and is scheduled to appear in court. Her attorney maintains that the allegations are surrounded by "mystery and confusion." Hirshowitz was suspended with pay in June.