UCLM & Acting Public Defender Clear up Distortions, Lies, & Misleading Statements Regarding Bail Reform Promulgated by Politicians and Law Enforcement Officials

Friday, July 29, 2022

UCLM convened a press conference to highlight how politicians and law enforcement officials were blaming bail reform for recent incidents of gun violence, including the murder of a Rochester Police officer on July 21st. Meanwhile the accused shooter in that case was from Massachusetts. He was not incarcerated in New York State, nor was he a New York State parolee. Despite this, New York gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin and other Republicans are using this incident, as well as the attack on Zeldin at a Perinton campaign stop to call for a legislative session so they can repeal state bail reform laws.

 Reverend Stewart also pointed out that the data does support the misguided idea that increased violence is caused because of bail reform.  Bail reform was not in place during the peak crime rates. Therefore, Reverend Stewart asks people to demand that Democratic state legislators stand firm in their support of bail reform.

Acting Monroe County Public Defender Erik Teifke also spoke. He explained how without restrictions on bail, judges have abused their discretion. Often, they imposed higher bail on people of color. He also explained how crimes classified as violent felonies often don’t involve any violence.

Check out the following items resulting from the press conference:

UCLM Statement on bail reform with Erik Teifke’s key points from the press conference

WHEC: United Christian Leadership speaks out against Zeldin’s comments on bail reform

RocheterFirst.com: Rev. Lewis Stewart: bail reform misinformation is being spread