Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Matthew Sciarrino has announced his retirement and plans to relocate to Florida, following a controversial decision that has sparked significant debate. The judge’s retirement comes after a ruling in which he declined to set bail for Franz Jeudy, 33, who was accused of an unprovoked attack that resulted in a Brooklyn mother of three, Dulche Pichardo, suffering a broken jaw. This incident has intensified scrutiny on Sciarrino’s judgments and the broader discussions around bail reform in New York.
Jeudy, who had previously been involved in other assault incidents, was charged with second-degree assault in connection with the March attack on Pichardo. Despite prosecutors’ request for a $25,000 cash bail or a $50,000 bond following the upgraded charges, Sciarrino dismissed these requests, citing the defendant’s lack of flight risk.
This decision came under fire from both the victim’s family and public officials who criticized the judge for his leniency, highlighting a pattern in his rulings that they perceived as being too soft on violent offenders. Raul Gomez, Pichardo’s son, expressed relief at Sciarrino’s decision to retire, criticizing the judge’s record and questioning the wisdom behind his rulings.
Sciarrino, who had more than a year-and-a-half left in his mayoral appointment, defended his decision by stating he adhered to state law regarding bail conditions and emphasized that his retirement had been planned long before this latest case, having filed his retirement papers back in January. His forthcoming move to Florida marks the end of a nearly two-decade-long career in the judiciary, during which he faced multiple controversies over his bail decisions.
Local politicians, including Councilman Robert Holden, a moderate Queens Democrat, also voiced their approval of Sciarrino’s departure. Holden, a proponent of tougher bail laws, remarked on the necessity of having judges who prioritize public safety and show a firm stance in keeping repeat offenders off the streets.
The community’s reaction to Sciarrino’s retirement is mixed, with some viewing it as a step toward more stringent legal oversight, while others remain skeptical of potential changes in judicial practices. As Sciarrino prepares for his move, the debate continues on the balance between justice reform and ensuring community safety, reflecting the complex challenges facing the New York judicial system today.