On June 16, a 24‑year‑old man was cited for trespassing on active Metro‑North railroad tracks in New Rochelle, New York.
Court records show the individual was observed jogging near 24 Station Plaza shortly before 8 p.m., despite posted “No Trespassing” signs along the right‑of‑way.
Police stopped the jogger, who then contacted his mother, a former federal prosecutor and co‑host of a daytime television program. She spoke with the officers and later submitted a formal letter to the Westchester County District Attorney requesting dismissal of the citation.
The citation was issued for a violation of New York Penal Law § 140.05; no arrest was made, and a court appearance is scheduled for July 31.
In the letter, Hostin described the incident as an “honest mistake,” noting her son’s lack of criminal history, his status as a Harvard University student, and his background as a former junior Olympian track athlete.
The letter argues that an open gate and the placement of the warning sign created a reasonable belief that the area was accessible, and that the officer issued only a citation rather than a criminal charge.
Hostin requested dismissal, asserting that prosecution would impose unnecessary consequences on a young person with exemplary academic and athletic achievements who poses no risk to the community.
The request cites prosecutorial discretion and the interest of conserving judicial resources, urging the district attorney to consent to dismissal before the scheduled court date.
