A high-ranking judge in New York City said the state’s recent guidelines regarding bail represents a “significant threat to public safety” in the five boroughs and beyond.
“It is my opinion that without significant changes, the current legislation will not only be a missed opportunity for long-overdue criminal justice reform, but also a significant threat to public safety,” Bronx Criminal Court Supervising Judge George Grasso said. “We already are seeing serious spikes in violent crime throughout New York City in 2020.”
“I am now in the criminal justice system for over 40 years — 30-plus NYPD and 30-plus judge — and I am very concerned,” he said during a speech in Queens, NY.
New York City residents were left fuming in the early weeks of 2020 following a massive spike in crime, with the NYPD Commissioner publicly blaming new bail laws on the uptick of felonies across the Big Apple.
“A sharp rise in citywide crime since 2020 began was sparked by New York’s new bail reform laws, which took away a judge’s discretion to hold repeat and possibly violent offenders behind bars,” reports the New York Post.
“In the first three weeks of this year, we’re seeing significant spikes in crime. So either we forgot how to police New York City, or there’s a correlation,” said Chief Dermot Shea.
“If you let out individuals that commit a lot of crime, that’s precision policing in reverse and we’re seeing the effects in a very quick time, and that is why we’re so concerned,” he added.
Statistics show a 32% uptick in robbers, 61% increase in car theft, and an 18% jump in burglaries since the New Year.
“People say it just took effect you can’t have consequences already. Take a look at the comp stat,” Shea fumed.
Read the full report at the New York Post.
OUT OF CONTROL: NYC ‘Subway Surfer’ Released After 18th Arrest, Responsible for Hundreds of Delays
New York City’s so-called “Subway Surfer” was arrested -and released without bail- for the 18th time this week; enraging commuters who have dealt with hundreds of delays due to the unauthorized rider.
“A Brooklyn man who was arrested for the 18th time for subway crimes that police say have caused hundreds of delays for commuters was released without bail, officials said,” reports the Wall Street Journal.
“Isaiah Thompson, 23 years old, was arrested most recently on Friday, when he turned himself in to police after he was seen riding on the outside of a train near Manhattan’s Union Square, said New York Police Department officials,” adds the WSJ.
Prolific subway surfer, 23, is arrested for the EIGHTEENTH time after hanging on to a train in Manhattan https://t.co/3CxapAckFQ
— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) August 6, 2019
The suspect is also wanted for other subway-related crimes, including activating an emergency brake during a busy evening rush hour commute in Manhattan.
“Repeat offenders are exactly why the MTA board voted in June to seek a mechanism to ban those who continuously perpetrate crimes against our riders from maintaining their privilege of using the subways,” said MTA Communications Director Tim Minton. “In the meantime, police and MTA staff are required to wait until someone violates rules or the law in the present before taking action.”
Read the full report at the Wall Street Journal.
UPDATE: Michael Avenatti Facing New Charges on Money Laundering, Hiding $1 Million from Creditors
Celebrity lawyer Michael Avenatti faced new charges this week on money laundering and fraud, with prosecutors claiming the once high-powered attorney intentionally concealed $1 million from his family and creditors.
“Los Angeles attorney Michael Avenatti engaged in fraud and money laundering to hide $1 million from one of his ex-wives and other creditors after his March arrest, federal prosecutors allege in newly filed court papers,” reports the Los Angeles Times.
BREAKING: Michael Avenatti faces new fraud and money laundering accusations — was jailed overnight. Hid $1 million from ex-wife & other creditors, prosecutors say. https://t.co/rkQvCfre2b
— Michael Finnegan (@finneganscribe) January 15, 2020
“Avenatti, who is awaiting trial on three federal indictments, was arrested again late Tuesday in downtown Los Angeles and remained in custody Wednesday morning, according to Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles,” adds the newspaper.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Original Story: January 15, 2020
Celebrity attorney Michael Avenatti was reportedly arrested by IRS agents in the middle of a hearing before the California Bar Association; stemming from a legal complaint the lawyer swindled a client out of $840,000.
“Attorney Michael Avenatti was arrested by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents Tuesday evening during a break in a disciplinary hearing in Los Angeles over allegations that the high-profile lawyer scammed a client out of $840,000,” reports Fox News. “The arrest occurred around 6 p.m. outside the State Bar Court, where the State Bar of California has initiated proceedings against him.”
“I can confirm that he was arrested by federal agents,” Avenatti’s lawyer Dean Steward said. “I anticipate a bail hearing at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Magistrate’s Court in Santa Ana. I haven’t seen the details of the warrant, but should have it later this evening.“
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