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Tawana Brawley, a black 15 year old from Wappingers Falls, New York, claimed in November 1987 that she was kidnapped, sexually abused and raped by six white men. The accused were unnamed police officers. Upon her discovery after a four-day absence she and her mother, Glenda Brawley, refused to cooperate with investigating authorities, claiming racism and demanding a prosecutor of their choice. This strategy, undertaken on advise of counsel, led to nationwide media attention. This included widespread speculation on Brawley's supposed exploitation by a cadre of advisors; allegations of a law enforcewment coverup; and discussion of general social and legal bias against rape victims. Major participants in the case included prosecutor Steven Pagones; Brawley's attorney Alton H. Maddox; and advisor Al Sharpton. A grand jury concluded Ms. Brawley's claim was a fabrication and dismissed the case during the autumn of 1988.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor for Investigation of the New York City Criminal Justice System was established in 1972 by executive order. The Office had jurisdiction over the entire New York City criminal justice system, and in a few cases, was given authority to investigate alleged criminal activities by criminal justice personnel outside New York City. The Office handled some notorious cases, including the "French Connection Case," the Brooklyn 77th Precinct case, Howard Beach, and the Tawana Brawley case, as well as thousands of routine allegations and investigation of such activities as gambling, extortion, and prostitution involving criminal justice personnel.