Drug Dealer Released Without Bail by Judge
(Daily360.com) – Fentanyl is a dangerous and highly addictive opioid, illegally distributed to people across the US. In January, the DEA reported just over 107,000 people died from drug overdoses during the previous 12 months. Around 72,000 of those deaths were from fentanyl. Given the danger and prevalence of the drug, police are working hard to get the substance off the streets.
On November 13, New York City officers arrested Manuel Pagan for possession of about 20,000 fentanyl pills. The suspect was charged with multiple drug-related felonies but didn’t spend a day behind bars. The Manhattan man was released without bail because his offenses were non-violent.
RESULTS OF NY BAIL REFORM: Drug dealer, Manuel Pagan, 49, busted with 20,000 fentanyl pills set free. Pagan was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree. https://t.co/VGSdtCBOns
— Blue Lives Matter 💎 (@RetiredNYCPD) November 13, 2022
In 2019, the NYC legislature passed criminal justice reforms that affected which crimes were bailable offenses. Most misdemeanors and many non-violent felonies fell off the list, meaning suspects for certain crimes were unlikely to be held in custody with a bail amount attached until their trial date. The only exceptions a judge can consider is if the defendant is a flight risk or a danger to the public, but that determination has limitations.
Perhaps more alarming was the form of fentanyl allegedly in the suspect’s possession. They were “rainbow” pills, which criminals make specifically to attract a younger clientele.
Judge James Clyne gave Pagan supervised release, and he is due back in court on December 15.
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