A Bronx assistant district attorney has resigned following accusations he attempted to meet a 13-year-old boy. The incident, captured on video by a civilian watchdog group, has ignited controversy in New York City’s legal community.
William C.C. Kemp-Neal, who ironically handled child endangerment cases, stepped down from his $84,990 per year position on July 17. His departure came just days after a confrontation with members of “Dads Against Predators” in nearby Mount Vernon.
The group claims they used an online decoy to lure Kemp-Neal, posing as an underage male. On July 8, they confronted the 30-year-old prosecutor outside a Target store, filming the encounter.
Video footage shows Kemp-Neal fleeing as group members chase him, shouting accusations. The situation escalated when a bystander physically restrained the ADA.
Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark’s office confirmed Kemp-Neal’s resignation in a terse statement: “William Kemp-Neal worked here as an ADA from June 28, 2020, until July 17, 2024. He resigned from the office.”
While no arrests have been made, local authorities say they are investigating the matter. The incident has raised questions about the vetting process for those working in sensitive legal roles.
Conservative commentators have pointed to the case as evidence of moral decay within the justice system. Many are calling for stricter background checks and oversight for prosecutors handling cases involving minors.
The incident also highlights the growing trend of civilian groups taking law enforcement matters into their own hands. While some praise these efforts as filling gaps in official investigations, others warn of potential legal complications.
As the probe continues, the case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing law enforcement in combating online predation and protecting vulnerable youth.
