NYC judge REFUSES to put anti-Semitic thug accused of plotting attacks on ... trends now
A New York City judge has once again refused to put an anti-Semitic thug accused of plotting violent attacks on synagogues back in jail.
Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Neil Ross ruled on Wednesday Matthew Mahrer, 22, can continue to walk free around the city after his family posted a $150,000 bail last month — despite the District Attorney's office arguing that disturbing new facts about his plans were enough of a reason to keep him behind bars.
Mahrer was arrested last month with Christopher Brown, 21, after authorities found they made a sting of 'credible threats' at synagogues across the Big Apple.
The pair were found to be in possession of a gun, a 'high-capacity' magazine, ammunition, a 'military style' knife, and Nazi memorabilia at the time of their arrest, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said at the time.
Mahrer is now facing criminal possession of a weapon charges, while Brown — who allegedly told investigators he runs an online white supremacist group — is also charged with making a terroristic threat.
He, however, is being held without bail and was arraigned on Wednesday.
A New York City judge let Matthew Mahrer, 22, continue to walk free on Wednesday
Mahrer was arrested last month for conspiring to attack a number of New York City synagogues. He was charged with criminal possession of a weapon
In court on Wednesday, the New York Post reports, Assistant District Attorney Edward Burns argued that Mahrer should also remain behind bars as he revealed continued to pay an incarcerated friend for the gun he and Brown planned to use in the would-be attacks.
'We now know that Mahrer, Brown and [a] third individual drove to Pennsylvania on November 18 to purchase a firearm,' he argued in court. 'That individual who drove with them has since been arrested by federal authorities.'
The unnamed accomplice, he said, is now serving three-and-a-half years for criminal possession of a weapon.
Burns also said the Upper West Side resident — whose attorney says he has bipolar disorder and autism — also bought a bulletproof vest before he and Brown were caught carrying weapons and a Nazi armband.
But Mahrer's defense attorney, Brandon Lamour Freycinet said the information was already known when Mahrer's bail was set on November 20.
He argued there is nothing illegal about sending a friend money behind bars and that the bulletproof vest could have purchased years or months earlier, CBS News reports.
Freycinet also noted that Mahrer, who is of Jewish descent himself, means no ill will and that his grandfather is a Holocaust survivor.
And, he said, after Mahrer was released from prison on November 21, he was sent to Elmhurst hospital for roughly one week for psychological treatment before returning to his family's Upper West Side home. He then enrolled in group therapy called Pathways.
Ultimately, the Post reports, Ross sided with the defense, even saying Mahrer does not need to warn an ankle monitor, but warned he must continue to appear in court — or his family will be forced to forfeit the bail money they already paid.
'Make sure you understand that this is the most important obligation that you've had in your life.'
Following the court hearing, Mahrer was seen happily puffing a vape pen and smirking as he strolled free with his attorney
The 22-year-old's parents posted his $150,000 bail last month, after which he allegedly received psychological treatment at a local hospital before he was allowed to return to his parents Upper West Side apartment
Christopher Brown, 21, was arraigned in the New York State Supreme Court on Wednesday
Following the court hearing, Mahrer was seen happily puffing a vape pen and smirking as he strolled free with his attorney.
Meanwhile, outside, New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg slammed the decision as he noted they asked the judge to remand Mahrer twice now, claiming it is 'important' that Brown has been in jail without bail since last month.
New York City Councilmember Jim
