POUGHKEEPSIE – The 52-year-old Pawling woman who attacked elderly people holding an anti-ICE protest in Pawling has been indicted by a Dutchess County Grand Jury. Annette Strehle of Circle Drive in Pawling, was arraigned on an indicted on three felony counts of attempted assault two misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief for her role in the January 10th attacks that were captured on video.
New York State Troopers responded to reports of the alleged assaults at the intersection of Route 22 and Main Street in the Town of Pawling at approximately 1 p.m. on January 10. Strehle allegedly punched a woman in the chest with a closed fist, forcibly shoved another woman to the ground and flung a third woman to the ground while attempting to take her cell phone. Additionally, Strehle is alleged to have damaged two of the women’s eyeglasses by crushing them in her hands. All the alleged victims in the case are over the age of 65.
District Attorney Anthony Parisi stated, “Allegations that individuals were targeted with violence while peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights are deeply troubling. Violence has no place in political discourse, and our democracy depends on the ability of individuals to express their views without fear of intimidation or physical harm.” DA Parisi continued, adding “These allegations are particularly disturbing given that the victims in this case are senior citizens who were exercising that right. Our community must remain a place where people can express their views safely, and disagreements over political beliefs must never become an excuse for violence. “
Dutchess County District Attorney Deputy Unit Chief Nicholas LaStella is prosecuting the case that is presided over by Dutchess County Court Judge Jessica Segal. Strehle was arraigned in Dutchess County Court on Thursday and released to the supervision of the Dutchess County Probation Department because the charges do not qualify for bail under the revised state law. She is due back in court on April 16, 2026.
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