New York, NY — An incident involving a Manhattan judge has triggered an investigation after bullet holes were discovered in her apartment, sparking concerns over potential threats against judiciary members. Judge Valentina Morales, known for her lenient rulings, stumbled upon the unsettling damage in her home on July 31, not long after a gunshot incident occurred while she was away.
Morales promptly reported the discovery to the Office of Court Administration, bypassing local police to inform an agency that provides administrative support and supervision to state-level courts. The following day, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office was alerted, and investigators initiated a probe into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The investigation soon led to Morales’ upstairs neighbor, John Moore, who has a 1987 conviction for drug dealing. Although Moore was not present during the initial search, authorities entered his apartment with a roommate’s assistance, unveiling a hole through his floor that aligned with the damage in Morales’ ceiling.
Upon questioning, Moore admitted to accidentally discharging a firearm and subsequently discarding the weapon in the Hudson River. His confession escalated the situation, prompting prosecutors to press charges and seek law enforcement intervention.
It was not until August 2 that the New York Police Department was involved. During a warranted search of Moore’s residence, officers unearthed a veritable arsenal. The cache included a sawed-off shotgun, a flintlock pistol, a multitude of ammunition rounds of various calibers, multiple switchblades, stun guns, collapsible batons, brass knuckles, and counterfeit law enforcement badges.
The incident has cast a spotlight on Morales, who has faced criticism from law enforcement circles for her judicial decisions, particularly her approach to bail and pre-trial releases. She has previously granted freedom to individuals facing serious charges, including those accused of gun possession and violent crimes, under conditions such as electronic monitoring rather than setting high cash bail amounts.
One notable case involved Frankie Centeno, an ex-convict whom Morales released on electronic monitoring despite the Bronx District Attorney’s request for substantial bail. Centeno subsequently fled international borders and had to be re-arrested. Other cases include Walter Almachi Leal, accused of a violent assault, and Kalifa Quattara, a gang member implicated in armed clashes, both of whom were released under surveillance measures set by Morales.
The safety of judges has become a topic of considerable discussion, raising questions about the security measures in place to protect them, both within their professional environments and private lives.
Al Baker, a spokesperson for the Office of Court Administration, emphasized that the safety of judges and court staff is paramount. “We take any threats or actual instances of violence against judges and staff extremely seriously,” Baker stated, adding that the agency is constantly evaluating and enhancing protective protocols.
As for Moore, he faces charges including weapons possession and reckless endangerment. His criminal history includes multiple arrests, with the most recent prior to this incident occurring in 2011. He was held on a significant bail and is currently detained at Rikers Island.
The case, still under review by the authorities, emphasizes the persistent challenges and risks faced by judicial figures, highlighting the delicate balance between public transparency and the protection of those serving on the legal front lines. Moore’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 15.