The Springfield Mayor and Police Commissioner upset with a judge's decision that they say is making the entire system look bad. Police say the Warrant Apprehension Unit arrested a 57 year old man on a probation violation after previous cases involving firearms and drugs. He was released on bail with the stipulation that he wear a GPS Tracking Device. Apparenly, according to police, the defendant took off the bracelet when he was arrested again.
The Assistant District Attorney handling the case sought to have the defendant's bail revoked last week. The Judge instead released him on the condition that he wear a GPS ankle bracelet even though he recently removed his court-ordered ankle bracelet.
“I’ve been saying for some time and it has been proven time and time again that GPS ankle bracelets are not a deterrent and should not be used for individuals facing firearms charges. In this case the suspect removed his court-ordered ankle bracelet and is rewarded by being released again with the same conditions. This makes absolutely no sense,” said Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “You’ve got to be kidding me – what the hell does it take to hold a repeat violent criminal offender? This guy is laughing at the judge and our court system as he walks right back out on the streets and into our neighborhoods. I thank DA Gulluni and his ADA for their efforts to keep him behind bars. I only hope and pray that he does not leave one of our residents and their family crying with yet another violent criminal offense.
Both the Mayor and the Commissioner are calling on the Governor to make real changes in the judicial system. The legislative delegation is expected to re-file the Mayor's Bail Reform Legislation. The Mayor says that will better protect the people of his city and others throughout the state.
(Photo by Carsten Rehder/picture alliance via Getty Images)