Bail Reform: Nassau County Begins Releasing Inmates
EAST MEADOW, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- More than two dozen inmates in Nassau County are being released in advance of New York's new bail reform law, which takes effect Wednesday.
The new law allows some offenders to remain free while awaiting trial, CBS2's Nick Caloway reported.
In all, 29 inmates walked out of the East Meadow Correctional Center one at a time Tuesday. Some of them tasted freedom for the first time in months.
Bobby Brown said he was charged with drug possession.
"There's a God. That's all I can say. But whoever did this, thank you," Brown said.
They're benefiting from New York's bail reform law. It allows those accused of misdemeanors and what some call "non-violent felonies" to be released without bail while awaiting trial. As many as 175 inmates will eventually walk free in the county.
WEB EXTRA: Click here to see which inmates can be set free.
But Brian Sullivan with the Correction Officers Benevolent Association told Caloway not all of the charges are low-level crimes. They include drug and gun charges, assault, burglary and robbery.
"But when you have people selling heavy duty amounts of drugs, MS 13 members. Bloods gang is MS13, Cripps, Latin Kings and you have an opioid crisis and people are dying every day, and they're walking out the door," Sullivan said.
Counties across New York are complying with the controversial new bail reform law. The inmates released Tuesday in Nassau County were just the latest to walk free while they wait for their trials.
"My job is to maintain law and order in Nassau County. Albany made the law. It's our job to make sure it happens seamlessly, and as safely as possible," County Executive Laura Curran said.
THE POINT: What's Next For Criminal Justice Reform In NY?
Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said the department is adding to its warrant squad to go after those who don't show up for court.
"If you break the law, we'll lock you up. If you continue to break the law, we'll lock you up," Ryder said. "We'll lock you up as long as you continue breaking the law in this country."
The inmates Caloway spotted on their way out said they were grateful for the chance to walk free while awaiting justice. Augustus Everton said he couldn't afford the nearly $50,000 bail he got for a burglary charge from two years ago.
"It's a beautiful thing. I've been locked up for two years. I get to see my daughter today, for the New Years. That's going to be a blessing," Everton said.
