Nassau County officials call for change to New York bail laws after burglary suspects go on the run

ByStacey Sager

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Nassau officials want bail law reform after burglary suspects go on the run

Stacey Sager has more from Nassau County as Long Island officials call for bail reform.

NASSAU COUNTY, Long Island (WABC) -- Authorities on Long Island are calling for a change to New York's bail laws after a group of suspected burglars went on the run following their arrest.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman didn't mince words during a speaking session about his feelings on the matter, nor did his partners in law enforcement.

"It's a damn disgrace," Blakeman said.

The crime happened Nov. 7 just after 3 a.m. in Woodbury, when according to Burglary Squad Detectives, six men -- part of a sophisticated Chilean theft ring -- entered Florique Florists on Jericho Turnpike by cutting through the roof, then they cut through a wall connected to Elegant Jewelers.

The group left without taking any merchandise, but police say that they used radio jammers to hide the alarm system.

All of the men, in the country illegally from South America and flagged as potential threats by Homeland Security, were arrested in Huntington the following day at a home they were renting. But Nassau police were unable to detain the suspects because the crimes were not bail eligible.

"How dangerous is that?" added Nassau County Police Dept. Commissioner Patrick Ryder. "If someone is calling for an emergency or another cop called for an emergency and his radio doesn't work, because these thugs are inside trying to jam the radios so we don't get the alarm?"

Authorities say the suspects were asked to get ankle monitor bracelets, but only three showed up to do so. Hours later they cut them off in New Jersey.

All of the suspects are charged with burglary and criminal mischief.

"I'm sick of it," acknowledged Nassau County District Attorney Ann Donnelly. "We need a change in these laws. Give the judges back their discretion. Let us do our jobs."