STATEMENT FROM SUFFOLK COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY RAYMOND A. TIERNEY

“Earlier today, my office requested that Amanda Burnside, an alleged serial arsonist, be held in jail on $500,000 cash, $1 million bond, or $1.5 million partially secured bond during the pendency of her case. The arraignment judge nevertheless released the defendant on her own recognizance and told her to report for supervised release within 72 hours. Less than two hours after her release from detention, the defendant allegedly committed an armed robbery. Clearly, the dangerousness of this defendant, who allegedly tried to ignite three homes on fire, was not adequately considered, given that within two hours of her arraignment, she allegedly committed another serious, violent felony. Furthermore, the danger that this defendant posed to society could never be adequately considered insofar as dangerousness is not a bail factor that judges can consider under New York State law. My office will continue to seek that defendants that pose a threat to public safety, remain in custody, despite the obvious flaws to our law.”

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Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments.

Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.

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