To be certain, making a bomb threat, by dropping a Fed Ex package that reads “This Is A Bomb” inside the security line, at Foley Square (SDNY federal district court house)… is both STOOPID, and a pretty dangerous threat (if ignored). The man was known to court officers, from a prior bomb threat in 2002, apparently. And all seem to agree — he suffers from some mental defect/illness.
But InnerCityPress was the lone journalist following his travel (or lack of travel, more precisely) through the federal crim. pro. processes.
The system clearly failed this man — who made very bad choices, but also is almost certainly profoundly mentally… ill.
This past week, while explaining nothing — after three years in the can, a one page order was entered (no trial or hearings to speak of…) and the AUSA just dropped all charges, and the man walked free.
That is a bad outcome, for everyone. He may well return with another scribbled-on Fed Ex package (at this, or some other courthouse security screening)… and it is crystal clear: he received no treatment for his disorder.
It is likely he will re-offend — even if it is unlikely… that he can make a real bomb.
He should have been in some form of a state-run, limited means psychiatric hospital over two years ago — to be treated. But… he was dumped into a meat grinder… and lost to time.
As it is, he is likely to wander the streets of Manhattan now — with nearly nothing changed, but three years of his life… gone. [His aging father is now likely to have to take care of him.]
Damn. Kudos To The Estimable InnerCityPress For Noticing!
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