Two Bronx Molotov Cocktails Get One From Bangladesh Released But Mendez Still Detained
It was a tale of two defendants in the SDNY Magistrates Court, where like on the Azerbaijan stalker of Iranian dissident, Inner City Press was the only media #CourtCaseCast
By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Maxwell Book
BBC - Guardian UK - Honduras - ESPN
SDNY MAG COURT EXCLUSIVE, August 4 - In the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on August 4, a detention or release proceeding was held by Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker on a defendant charged with throwing a Molotov cocktail onto the front porch of a house in The Bronx, and of being the driver for a co-defendant who threw a Molotov cocktail at a car.
The house-bomber, with a Federal Defender, was released on $15,000 bond. The car-bomber, with the day's Criminal Justice Act counsel, didn't even ask for a bail hearing. At the end he was led out asking, "So I'm staying in jail?" His significant other in the gallery, where Inner City Press was the only media as on the July 29 Azerbaijan AK-47 stalker of an Iranian dissident (story here, credited here).
Here is the blow by blow of the arson duo's proceeding, here:
Ok - back in SDNY Magistrates Court, co-defendants Chowdhry (sp) and Mendez being presented after arrest yesterday, and hospitalization. Fire Marshal at US table.
Charge is "possessing an unregistered Molotov cocktail on June 8, 2022." Also July 24, arson in The Bronx. Both defendants have family in the gallery (where Inner City Press is the only media, like last Friday on Azerbaijan AK47 stalking of Iran dissident.
Notably, Mendez with CJA lawyer "Gunther" consent to detention, while Chowdhry charged with arson is.applying for bail, with Federal Defender.
AUSA: Chowdhry made another arson threat on July 27. He was convicted before, pled down to criminal mischief. He is tied to Bangladesh. FD: HIs brother us here, and family friend who is a behavioral therapist
FD: Chowdhry worked at Aramark as a bartender: he buys, fixes and sells cars. The illegal weapon was a gravity knife, now legal. The Molotovs were small.
Judge: Molotov cocktails are a weapon of war, the Ukrainians are using them
FD: Chowdhry had ACL surgury and became addicted to Oxy and alcohol. He was taken to the hospital and given Librium.
AUSA: Chowdhry's target was also from #Bangladesh. He's had 6 bench warrants. Judge: I'm going to release him on $15,000 bond
Judge: No contact with those he's threatened. FD: We don't know who they are. AUSA: Victim asked not to be identified on the record.
Judge: After rehab Chowdhry can work. But not in a bar. [Less accused co-defendant Mendez will remain retained? Yes.] Adjourned.
The case is US v. Mendez, et al., 22-mj-6150 (Parker)
***
Your support means a lot. As little as $5 a month helps keep us going and grants you access to exclusive bonus material on our Patreon page. Click here to become a patron.