EAST FISHKILL – John Forman, the Fishkill town councilman who was arrested after allegedly stealing campaign signs was supposed to be arraigned in East Fishkill Justice Court today, November 1. The arraignment has been postponed because the East Fishkill Police Department has not sent the necessary paperwork to the court. Additionally, East Fishkill Justice Brian Rudner has indicated that he will be recusing himself to avoid the appearance of impropriety. Forman was arrested on October 24, 2023, on a complaint signed by his opponent for the town supervisor election, Democrat Ozzy Albra.
The full account of the arrest can be found here.
Attorney Anthony DeFazio is representing Forman and told Mid-Hudson News Wednesday afternoon that the arraignment was not taking place. On Wednesday morning DeFazio was informed that the police had not forwarded the paperwork to the justice court. “Even I don’t have the accusatories or supporting deposition,” the attorney said. Mid-Hudson News has been unable to obtain copies of the documents as well.
Fishkill Councilwoman Louise Daniele, a retired New York State Trooper was angered when she learned that no arraignment was taking place. She was in the East Fishkill courtroom Wednesday evening in the event there was a change. “I am disappointed by the excuse that the court did not receive arrest paperwork from the East Fishkill Police Department regarding Councilmember John Forman’s arrest for criminal possession of stolen property until allegedly an hour before court began tonight,” she told Mid-Hudson News. ” The delay of the arraignment until after the November 7th election gives the appearance of political manipulation as the public will not be able to review the arrest paperwork prior to the election.”
Daniele welcomed the call by Republican Dutchess County District Attorney Bill Grady’s request for another office to handle the case. “I look forward to this case being handled by an
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