Judge Makowski Resigns Amid Allegations Of Tampering

by: robert.harding

Sat Feb 21, 2009 at 09:45:11 AM EST

Makowski resigned from his seat after an investigation into tampering charges involving himself and an attorney.

From the Buffalo News:

State Supreme Court Justice Joseph G. Makowski resigned Friday in disgrace, and former prosecutor Anne E. Adams pleaded guilty to three misdemeanors for their roles in trying to clear her in a drunken-driving case.

"They tried to fix a case, and they got caught," District Attorney Frank A. Sedita III said.

...

In his affidavit, Makowski stated he had been with Adams from 2 to 5 p. m. Sept. 2 on a professional basis. He then met with her from 5:30 to 7:15 p. m. in Shanghai Red's restaurant to talk about changes Adams was considering for a UB law school program.

While they were at the waterfront restaurant, Adams ordered two glasses of wine and a glass of water with lime, he stated.

Makowski also stated that nothing in her speech, gait or mannerisms had raised his concerns about her ability to drive that evening.

An eyewitness, however, told law enforcement officials that Adams was stumbling as she headed for her car and that the man with her was holding her to keep her from falling.

Also, Makowski said in his signed statement that, "After speaking with Ms. Adams for another five minutes, I told her I had to get on the Skyway to my mother's house. She told me she was heading to her home in Angola on the same route. I drove over the Skyway to South Buffalo with Ms. Adams' vehicle in my continuous presence."

But an eyewitness told authorities Makowski also got into Adams' car, and the two sat inside the car for about 20 minutes. Adams then pulled her convertible into another part of the Shanghai Red's restaurant parking lot, near the marina.

Makowski was trying to help Adams get out of drunk driving charges. His affidavit was found to be false when matched up with witness testimony of what actually happened.

Sen. Adams Taking Monserrate's Side; More On Monserrate Incident

by: robert.harding

Tue Dec 23, 2008 at 22:45:01 PM EST

To be fair, Sen. Adams doesn't defend what Monserrate allegedly did. But Sen. Adams does say that what happened with Monserrate is revenge from the New York City Police Department for Monserrate's fight for police reform.

Liz has the statement from Adams, which is a very interesting read.

"As a former NYPD Captain, I have some serious concerns regarding the unusual handling of the case against Councilman Monserrate," Adams said. "The primary goal of investigating a complaint of domestic violence is to ensure the safety of the innocent victim."

"However, the police department and the DA appear to have ignored Ms. Giraldo's repeated insistence that the injury she sustained was the result of an accident, a fact that has been publicly supported by Ms. Giraldo's family in interviews with the press."

"Second, the department departed from standard operating procedures by requiring a public 'perp walk' past TV cameras, rather than following the normal routine of taking someone out the back door through the precinct's private lot. A 'perp walk' is used when the the NYPD wants to expose a suspect to public view."

"These questions raise serious doubts regarding the motivating factor behind the arrest and charges against Councilman Monserrate. Specifically, these facts suggest that the Police Department's priority is to publicly humiliate the accused rather than following the evidence."

"It is well known that Councilman Monserrate has been an outspoken advocate for police reform. I believe his role as an agent for change cause him to be denied his rights and a thorough investigation."

We also have more information on the incident today. According to multiple media reports, Monserrate and his girlfriend were arguing about a business card found in the girlfriend's purse. The business card was reportedly from a Police Benevolent Association (PBA) member. Why that was enough to spark the alleged attack remains to be seen.

But why Sen. Adams chose to inject himself in this isn't very smart, especially if this turns out to be a crime and not the accident that some are trying to make it out to be. I would not want to associate myself with Monserrate. He might be innocent. But he also might be guilty. It's not worth risking a political career over.  

Latest On Monserrate: Video Shows Monserrate Pulling Girlfriend's Hair

by: robert.harding

Mon Dec 22, 2008 at 21:15:53 PM EST

But the latest on Monserrate does not sound any better. He was allegedly caught on a surveillance camera pulling his girlfriend's hair outside his apartment before she was taken to the hospital for her injuries.

Authorities have obtained video surveillance that allegedly shows embattled City Councilman Hiram Monserrate (D-East Elmhurst) pulling his girlfriend's hair outside his apartment early Friday morning just hours before he was charged with assaulting her, sources told the TimesLedger.

Monserrate, who was elected to the state Senate in November, was arraigned on assault and criminal possession of a weapon charges Friday evening after authorities said he allegedly broke a drinking glass in his hand and stabbed his girlfriend, 30-year-old Karla Giraldo, in the face.  The  lacerations required 20 stitches to close, according to the criminal complaint filed by the Queens district attorney.

I believe in someone being innocent until proven guilty. But I also know that when the evidence piles up against you, that usually isn't a good sign.

I should also note this interesting acknowledgment in the article cited above:

Since Monserrate was released on $5,000 bail Friday, both he and Giraldo have stated publicly that the incident was an accident and there were no violent intentions on the part of the councilman.

I have a hard time believing that this was an accident. Monserrate seems to think that there is more to this story that needs to be told. I am willing to wait and listen to that, but again, it doesn't look good.  

Monserrate's Weapon Of Choice: A Beer Bottle

by: robert.harding

Fri Dec 19, 2008 at 11:46:45 AM EST

This is what we know now:

Outgoing City Councilman Hiram Monserrate was arrested early Friday after allegedly whacking his girlfriend over the head with a beer bottle, a police source said.

Monserrate and the unidentified victim arrived at Long Island Jewish Hospital about 4:30 a.m. Sources told the Daily News the woman had severe cuts to her face that required several stitches to close.

Cops later questioned the Queens lawmaker and charged him with assault.

This is serious. The legal process will run its course. But we should also see Monserrate step aside for someone else. This is a very serious crime. This should not be tolerated.

Senator-Elect Hiram Monserrate Arrested Last Night

by: robert.harding

Fri Dec 19, 2008 at 10:27:21 AM EST

Senator-elect Hirram Monserrate was arrested early this morning after he brought a woman believed to be his girlfriend to Long Island Jewish Hospital with severe lacerations on her face that will require multiple sitches to close, sources confirmed.

Monserrate and his girlfriend arrived at the hospital at approximately 4:30 a.m. where he was detained for questioning and subsequently arrested, according to an NYPD source. The incident occurred at an apartment at 37-20 83rd St. in Jackson Heights, Queens.

Monserrate was charged with assault one.

My dad always said that a man who hits a woman is a coward. This will hold true if it comes out that Monserrate did in fact cause the lacerations that his girlfriend needed medical attention for. I won't rush to judgment, but it doesn't look good for Monserrate right now.