MurphOnMillerAve wrote:Speaking of idiots deserving a stay in the slammer, some guy set fire to the Christmas tree @ Fox News center on 6th Avenue, in NYC. It became completely immolated .
Suspected Fox News All-American Christmas Tree arsonist could be back on streets in a matter of hours: expert
Craig Tamanaha, charged with setting Norway spruce on fire, can't be held on bail for alleged crime, expert says
Police arrested tinsel-torching suspect Craig Tamanaha, 49, after he allegedly scaled the 50-foot-tall tree at the center of Fox Square just after midnight in Midtown Manhattan.
But former Manhattan prosecutor turned criminal defense lawyer Mark Bederow said he will likely be free by late Thursday since his crimes do not qualify for bail. "You can't give the Christmas tree an order of protection, so security will have to stand guard," he said.
Tamanaha, who is believed to be homeless, cannot be held on bail for the alleged crimes due to the criminal justice reforms enacted in January 2020.
He faces one count each of second-degree criminal mischief, second-degree reckless endangerment, fifth-degree arson, second-degree criminal nuisance, third-degree criminal trespass, third-degree criminal tampering and disorderly conduct. All the arrest charges are misdemeanors and judges do not have the discretion to set bail on any of the counts.