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State Senate Deputy Minority Leader
Griffo Calls for Immediate Changes to Bail Reform

January 04, 2020   07:00 p.m.
    Press Release from Sen. Joseph Griffo's Office:

    Griffo calls for immediate changes to bail reform

    New York State Senate Deputy Minority Leader Joseph Griffo, R-I-C-Rome,
    today called on Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to take
    immediate action to address serious flaws with bail reform that went into effect
    Jan. 1 and to consider Senate Bill S6861 as soon as Session convenes next
    week. Deputy Minority Leader Griffo’s request comes after the Majority Leader
    indicated that she would be open to considering such changes.

    “In December, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins told reporters that there wasn’t
    majority support in her conference to modify the criminal justice reforms rushed
    through the Legislature last year,” Deputy Minority Leader Griffo said. “But four
    days after bail reform has been implemented and with bank robbers, violent
    individuals and other miscreants being released back into the public, it appears
    the Majority Leader has had an epiphany about the real impact that the reform
    her conference pushed could have on our communities and state. It is my belief
    that this change of heart isn’t motivated by a need to address a real public safety
    issue, but rather because it may be politically expedient for majority members to
    do so.”

    Criminal Justice reforms included in the 2019 State Budget included ending cash
    bail for everything shy of the most severe violent felonies. As a result of this
    change, several potentially dangerous individuals have been released back into
    their communities, including:

  • Paul Barbaritano, an Albany man facing manslaughter charges in
    connection with a woman’s death, was freed on cashless bail.

  • Serial bank robber Christopher Seamans of East Syracuse/Dewitt was
    arrested for allegedly robbing a bank in Colonie but released without bail.
    Colonie Police said that Seamans has two previous convictions for bank
    robbery.

  • Jorge Flores-Villalba, a unlicensed driver, was released without bail after he
    allegedly hit and killed a woman with his vehicle in Stony Brook and then left
    the scene.

  • Tiffany Harris, who was released with no bail after she was charged with
    assaulting three Orthodox women in New York City and then committed
    assault again two days after her release.

  • Michael Ross of Malta was charged with making a terroristic threat after he
    allegedly threatened to bring a firearm to a school. Ross was released on
    his own recognizance.

  • Tyquan Rivera, who was convicted in 2009 of shooting a Rochester Police
    officer, was released on new drug charges.

    To address this serious public safety issue, Deputy Minority Leader Griffo also is
    calling for the Senate’s Rules Committee to immediately report legislation
    (S6861) allowing for courts to make an appropriate risk assessment based upon
    on individual’s previous criminal history. Judges do not have such discretion
    under the law that went into effect at the beginning of the year.

    “I am calling for immediate revisions to bail reform, including granting judges the
    authority to consider the dangerousness of the accused - a sentiment shared by
    even New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio,” Deputy Minority Leader Griffo said.
    “Given the Majority Leader’s willingness to now consider changes, I am urging
    the Majority to take such action when we return to Session next week. The
    Majority also must provide law enforcement, district attorneys, crime victims and
    others are with the opportunity to give input on this matter – something the
    Majority didn’t do previously.”

    Since the bail reform was first proposed, Deputy Minority Leader Griffo has
    actively worked with law enforcement, district attorneys and others to raise the
    alarm regarding the impact that the changes would have across the state.

    “I understand that criminal justice reforms are needed and acknowledge that the
    laws of our country provide the accused with the right to fair and equal treatment
    under the law, but it is imperative that the public is protected from dangerous
    individuals,” Deputy Minority Leader Griffo said. “We are seeing the adverse
    effect that this reform is having on public safety and it is clear that changes need
    to be made now.”