Today, Assemblywoman Walsh (R,C,I-Ballston) reacted to two recent releases put out by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office announcing that Milton resident, Justin Peters, who was arrested on Sunday on multiple charges that included a domestic incident resulting in physical harm to the other individual and for violating an order of protection. Peters was released after signing a written promise not to engage in illegal activity and that he would show up to future court appearances.

He has since been arrested and charged with criminal contempt 2^nd degree (class A misdemeanor) following a violation of an order of protection. After arraignment by the Milton Town Justice he has been remanded to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.

“This is exactly why I spoke out against these new ‘reforms’ since day one,” said Walsh. “New York State has failed its residents. We have left victims without protection, fearing that their offender will return. Unfortunately, this is the new reality for our state’s criminal justice system, and quite frankly it’s terrifying. This latest instance hits close to home and is just another example of the individuals who have been and will continue to be released despite their undeniable risk to the safety of New York residents.

“To have tied these extreme changes to last year’s budget and jam it through without proper input or opportunity for a thoughtful review was completely reckless and irresponsible. It has been only one week since bail ‘reform’ was implemented and there have been countless headlines reinforcing just how reckless it was. We need to quit while we’re behind and do all that we can to restore discretion to judges and safety to our communities.”