Nation

Child Abusers Eligible for Immediate Release Under California’s New ‘No Cash Bail’ Rule

Published

4 years ago

April 21, 2020

Under California’s new “no cash bail” rule, child abusers are now eligible for immediate release, according to FOX Los Angeles reporter Bill Melugin.

San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon told Melugin that the zero dollar cash bail law is forcing him to release hundreds of inmates, including some who have been convicted of serious felonies.

The mandate went into effect last Monday after California’s Judicial Council issued an emergency rule ordering all misdemeanors and some low-level felonies to now have cash bail set at zero dollars, with 13 exceptions for serious and violent felonies. However, child abuse was not one of those exemptions.

California's Judicial Council carved out 13 exemptions for the $0 cash bail, including serious and violent felonies, and while domestic violence made the list, child abuse inexplicably did not. How does that happen? I press the Council for answers, story 2nite at 10pm on @FOXLA pic.twitter.com/vNiPvfJYsF

— Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) April 21, 2020

“Felony child abuse does not fit into that list of 13, so even though this guy had a prior domestic violence conviction for child abuse, he gets arrested for child abuse again, and then he gets released on zero bail with a court date in July,” McMahon told FOX LA. “So that just doesn’t make any sense to me, maybe I’m missing something, but that doesn’t seem to me to be the right thing to do to protect the citizens of our county. If that person is in our custody, we can protect the victim, if he’s not, we can’t.”

The state issued the mandate in order to reduce inmate populations during the coronavirus epidemic, but Sheriff McMahon told FOX LA that San Bernardino County doesn’t have an overcrowding problem and that inmates are separated and required to wear masks. He added that too many dangerous people have already been allowed to return to society, where they could cause more harm.

“We’ve already started releasing those fresh arrests that weren’t on the list of 13,” Sheriff McMahon told Melugin. “The first night into Tuesday morning, there were 6 people arrested on felonies and were released on zero bail.”

A prosecutor in Los Angeles County confirmed that child abuse suspects are now eligible for immediate release in California under this new mandate. “You will go to jail if you spit on your spouse, but if you give your child a black eye, you’re free to go,” the unnamed prosecutor told FOX LA.

To read Bill Meugin’s full report for FOX Los Angeles, click here.

Related Topics:california coronavirus crime Featured Nation no cash bail Security

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Nation

Washington D.C. Spends Hundreds of Thousands on “Black Lives Matter” Street Art Amidst Soaring Crime Rates

Published

21 hours ago

November 29, 2023

Alexander Carter

The Washington, D.C., government has reportedly spent $271,231 refurbishing the “Black Lives Matter” street mural in the city, drawing criticism as crime rates surge. The infamous mural, initially painted by Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser in June 2020 during BLM protests, saw taxpayer funds allocated for its recent touch-up, including $217,680 in labor costs and $53,551 in paint supplies, according to reports from Fox News.

In a startling revelation, documents obtained by Judicial Watch have exposed the exorbitant expenses tied to Washington, D.C.’s ‘Black Lives Matter’ street mural refurbishment. Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton didn’t mince words, slamming city leaders for what he deemed the ‘waste’ of $270,000 in taxpayer money. The controversy unfolds as crime in the city skyrockets, prompting questions about priorities.

The city’s choice of D.C.-based vendor Equus Striping for the mural project raises eyebrows, especially considering the questionable allocation of funds. The company documented the mural’s makeover on its Facebook page, showcasing the process from preparation to completion. What adds fuel to the fire is that this project took shape against the backdrop of D.C. cutting millions from its police budget since 2020, resulting in a staggering reduction of 400 officers from three years prior.

As crime rates surge in the nation’s capital, a fierce battle ensues between Congress and the D.C. Council over crime proposals. Democratic D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson attempts to downplay the crisis, but stark statistics tell a different story.

Homicides spike by 34%, robberies soar by 68%, motor vehicle theft skyrockets by 93%, and arson flames up by a shocking 125%, all by November 28, 2022. The overall surge in violent crime stands at a disconcerting 40%, with a 27% increase in total crime compared to the same period last year.

Amidst the grim numbers, Councilmember Trayon White Sr. breaks ranks with a call to declare an emergency and possibly deploy the National Guard to quell the rising crime wave. The ongoing clash highlights the intricate challenges faced by D.C. leaders, juggling public safety concerns, resource allocation, and the well-being of the community.

In the midst of escalating crime, the allocation of funds to a mural raises questions about the city’s commitment to genuine solutions and the safety of its residents.