In a wide-ranging interview on “Inside Government with Guy Cosentino,” Cayuga County District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci offered a comprehensive update on her office, detailing new initiatives, law enforcement trends, and her plans for the future.
The conversation covered three major programs her office has launched or expanded in 2025: A local animal abuse registry, the STRIVE program focused on intimate partner violence, and a community-based accountability board targeting first-time, low-level offenders. Grome Antonacci also addressed broader concerns about drug trends, ICE raids, welfare fraud, and her intention to seek re-election next year.
Animal abuse registry nearing final approval
Grome Antonacci praised a new initiative spearheaded by the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office that would create a countywide animal abuse registry. If passed by the legislature later this month, it would make Cayuga the 21st county in New York with such a registry.
Similar to a sex offender registry, individuals convicted of animal abuse would be required to register their name, address, and other personal information with the Sheriff’s Office. A first offense would bar them from owning a pet for 15 years, and a second offense would result in a lifetime ban.
“This has been needed for a very long time,” she said. “We’ve seen some egregious cases — dogs locked in crates, neglected, malnourished, even physically attacked.”
The registry would be publicly searchable, helping residents avoid giving pets to known abusers. Grome Antonacci also said the county has formed an informal animal abuse task force that includes law enforcement and the SPCA.
DA’s office shifts from reactive to proactive on domestic violence
One of the most significant changes Grome Antonacci highlighted is the county’s participation in STRIVE — the Statewide Targeted Reduction in Intimate Partner Violence program. Cayuga was one of just 20 counties selected to participate, receiving roughly $143,000 to fund a dedicated prosecutor focused on building cases and connecting victims to services.
“Our focus now is on being proactive, not reactive,” she said. “Instead of waiting for arrests, we’re working closely with law enforcement and support agencies to open investigations and support survivors early in the process.”
The DA’s office currently has 92 open domestic violence investigations — a massive increase from the two cases opened in 2018. The program is currently limited to the city of Auburn but may expand countywide in the future.
Community Accountability Board offers alternative for first-time offenders
Grome Antonacci also detailed the launch of a Community Accountability Board, an alternative to traditional prosecution for first-time, low-level offenders aged 18–25. The program focuses on quality-of-life crimes like petit larceny and criminal mischief.
Participants are referred post-arrest and must meet with a volunteer board, complete community service, write apology letters or essays, and engage in dialogue about their actions. Seven individuals have already completed the program; five more are currently enrolled.
“It gives the community a voice and gives offenders a second chance,” she said. “We even had a case where someone committed 11 petit larcenies — all under $4 — just to get lunch at work. This program lets us get to the root of why crimes are happening.”
The goal is to reduce recidivism and keep participants conviction-free. Only one person has declined the program and opted for traditional prosecution, resulting in a criminal conviction.
Drug trends and other prosecution priorities
Grome Antonacci said the local drug landscape is shifting away from fentanyl and heroin, with cocaine use rising in 2025. Firearms-related offenses have also increased, with most illegal guns traced to individuals from Rochester or Syracuse — not Cayuga County residents.
Her office is also working with the Sheriff’s Office and Department of Social Services to aggressively prosecute welfare fraud, thanks to a grant through the Crimes Against Revenue Program (CARP).
“It’s a small piece of our caseload, but we’ve reinvested in this area after a decade of under-enforcement,” she said.
ICE cooperation and political independence
Asked about the Cayuga County Legislature’s proposal for a non-cooperation agreement with ICE, Grome Antonacci said she had not been consulted but would not support the idea.
“I would not be in favor of a non-cooperation agreement,” she said, adding that she believes enforcement decisions should remain at the discretion of the elected sheriff — not the legislature.
She also noted that, as a constitutionally elected official, the legislature cannot legally restrict her prosecutorial discretion or require non-cooperation with federal agencies.
Looking ahead to 2026
Grome Antonacci confirmed she plans to run for re-election next year. She was first appointed in 2021 and then elected unopposed in 2022.
While some of her predecessors eventually pursued judgeships, including John Budeleman and Jim Vargason, she said her focus remains on serving as DA.
“I love this job. I love being District Attorney,” she said.
For now, she continues to push forward with a staff of 22, including eight full-time prosecutors and a growing docket shaped by new state mandates and expanded responsibilities.
“We used to be able to do this work with half the staff,” she said. “The discovery reforms in 2020 changed everything. We’ve had to evolve.”
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