Key Takeaways:
– Five migrant men allegedly involved in the Times Square attack on police officers have been given cash bail and are awaiting trial at Rikers Island.
– Kelvin Serita Arocha’s bail was set at $15,000, $100,000 for Yorman Reveron and Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel’s at $50,000.
-Yohenry Brito’s initial bail of $15,000 is to be reassessed next week.
– Wilson Juarez, charged with tampering with physical evidence, had his bail set at $1.
Five migrant men implicated in the alleged assault on two police officers in Times Square on January 27 were ordered bail at their arraignments in Manhattan Supreme Court. The charges emerged from a grand jury in Manhattan, leading to various reactions from the suspects at their recent hearings.
Suspects React to Charges
19-year-old Kelvin Serita Arocha, one of the accused, sighed “Ah, my God” in Spanish as he watched fellow suspect, Yorman Reveron, 24, being led away in handcuffs. Following their arraignment, all five suspects are headed to Rikers Island.
The Details of Bail
As per the bail details, Arocha must produce $15,000, Reveron is set with $100,000, and Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, 19, has a bail of $50,000. The court will decide on the source of bail funds for Yohenry Brito, 24, whose previously settled $15,000 bail is under review.
Another suspect, 21-year-old Wilson Juarez, charged with tampering with physical evidence, was assigned a symbolic $1 bail. This often happens when suspects are detained pending other serious matters, such as federal immigration issues.
Earlier Arraignments and Ongoing Investigations
“Seven defendants indicted have now appeared in court following a thorough investigation regarding the NYPD incident,” stated Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “Our law enforcement partners and we continue efforts to apprehend the remaining individuals involved.”
The assault case has garnered national media attention and triggered anti-migrant sentiment. However, video evidence from the incident contradicts the NYPD’s initial account, creating public confusion and leading to questions about the charges and the proceedings.
Change in DA’s Approach
Assistant District Attorney Neil Greenwell revealed a changed standpoint toward the suspects’ bail, asking for cash bail up to $100,000 at Friday’s hearing. No such request was made for most suspects at preceding court appearances.
Threats and Legal Proceedings
Reveron, who supposedly received several death threats leading to family fears of appearing in court, confirmed his continuous presence in New York to his lawyer. Additionally, Gomez-Izquiel was granted freedom after his first arrest but faced massive bail resurgence on Friday.
Brito, the crucial suspect igniting the brawl, was presented to court by immigration advocates before being taken back into custody. A hearing is due next week to decide the source of funds for his bail, which was allegedly covered by a Brooklyn church unit.
Regarding Juarez and Arocha, both were taken into custody by ICE. Juarez missed a court date in Texas, while Arocha could face deportation before dealing with his criminal charges.
Next Legal Steps
In a twist, Juarez, charged with evidence tampering due to purported swapping of jackets, was not indicted for the attack itself. Depending on the final arrangement for bails, the lawyer of Arocha requested his client be moved to Department of Corrections custody to avoid premature deportation.
Continued criticism flushes District Attorney Bragg, having previously decided not to request bail for the men arrested. He now faces public scrutiny as the case develops in unpredictable ways.