Bronx, New York – A Venezuelan migrant who was found squatting in a Bronx home along with seven others was released by a judge who had previously freed two men involved in an assault on a police officer, according to records. The judge, Eugene Bowen, freed Hector Desousa-Villalta despite prosecutors requesting bail in the case. Desousa-Villalta was arrested after allegedly flashing a gun at another man outside the home.
In November, Bowen had also released two men who were caught on video beating a police officer inside a subway station in the Bronx. The decision to release the migrants has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system and the safety of both the police and the community.
Desousa-Villalta, 24, was one of eight migrants arrested at the Bronx home. Police found four guns, ammunition, and drugs in their possession. Despite the district attorney’s request for bail to be set at $150,000 cash or $450,000 bond, Desousa-Villalta was released on supervised release. He was later arrested again by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and now faces deportation.
Another individual arrested at the home, Javier Alborno, 22, was found to be in possession of a semi-automatic pistol. Alborno had previously been arrested on a weapons possession charge and was released without bail. This time, he was sent to Rikers Island jail on a $100,000 bail.
The release of these individuals has sparked outrage among law enforcement officials, particularly in light of recent incidents involving armed repeat offenders. Chief of Patrol John Chell expressed frustration, questioning why individuals with firearms are being released back onto the streets.
Judge Bowen, in a survey on BallotPedia.org, highlighted his accomplishments as a public defender, including securing dismissals and getting favorable dispositions for his clients. However, critics argue that judges need to prioritize public safety by keeping criminals who pose a threat off the streets.
Prosecutors argued in court that Desousa-Villalta had a loaded firearm in hand at the time of his arrest, as well as an open attempted murder case against him in Yonkers. The defense countered that he had already spent three months in jail and no new court date had been set in the Yonkers case.
The decision by Judge Bowen to release the migrants has raised concerns about the need for the criminal justice system to prioritize public safety and the protection of police officers. Law enforcement officials argue that judges should exercise their authority to keep criminals with illegal guns off the streets. The cases involving Desousa-Villalta and Alborno highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with armed offenders.
It remains unclear how the migrants obtained the firearms and drugs or if they were involved in any criminal networks. The incidents have highlighted the need for a comprehensive examination of the criminal justice system and its impact on public safety.