NYC Judge Under Fire for Releasing Repeat Offender
In a shocking turn of events, a Manhattan judge, Beverly Tatham, is facing severe criticism for granting supervised release to a career criminal, Johnson Earl, who stands accused of assaulting an elderly man. The incident in question occurred on December 20, when Earl allegedly brutally attacked an 83-year-old man on a Lower Manhattan train.
Details of the Assault
The assault unfolded when the elderly man accidentally stumbled over Earl’s foot as they were both on a southbound No. 5 train approaching the Fulton Street station. This minor mishap quickly escalated into a violent altercation, with Earl reportedly punching the elderly man in the face, leading to a physical confrontation that culminated in a chokehold and further assault. The victim sustained cuts to his face and head during the altercation and subsequently sought medical treatment at the Kings County Hospital Center.
Judge’s Controversial Decision
Despite the gravity of the charges against Earl, including second-degree assault and a lengthy criminal record with 13 prior arrests, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office recommended setting his bail at $75,000 cash or $100,000 bond. However, Judge Tatham chose to release him back onto the streets, a decision that has sparked outrage and raised questions about the judicial system’s handling of repeat offenders.
Earl’s Troubling Criminal History
Johnson Earl’s criminal history is littered with instances of violence and unlawful behavior. In a previous incident in July, he was arrested for assaulting a security guard at a store in The Bronx, where he aggressively questioned why he was not being attended to during the altercation. Despite being ordered to stay away from the victim, Earl’s case was adjourned in contemplation of dismissal by Bronx prosecutors.
Over the years, Earl has been arrested multiple times for assault, as well as charges related to weapon possession and marijuana. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 27, adding another chapter to his long history of legal troubles.
In conclusion, the decision to release a repeat offender like Johnson Earl has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of the justice system in protecting vulnerable members of society. It begs the question: Are judges like Beverly Tatham truly serving the interests of justice, or are they endangering public safety by allowing dangerous individuals back on the streets?