DA reflects on bail reform, judge accountability in Massachusetts
By Alana Cerrone
@Alana_Cerrone
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) – People have been speaking out about the death of Weymouth Police Sgt. Michael Chesna and why his accused killer was walking the streets at the time of his death.
Emanuel Lopes was previously arrested for selling cocaine to minors while he was out on bail for throwing a rock through a house window. Bristol County District Attorney Tom Quinn didn’t comment specifically on that case, but he says he’s frustrated to see people who are a danger to the community or flight risk get released.
He thinks the judicial system should do away with cash bail. He’d rather see defendants held or not held based on their danger to the public.
"Our position is – we’re moving to detain these people. In particular drug dealers. Many of the drug dealers are out on the streets because they can post cash bail."
Under the Massachusetts criminal justice reform bill, which passed in April, judges have to take into consideration a defendant’s ability to pay bail.
As for judge accountability, Quinn says there should be some type of oversight.
And because judges have lifetime appointments, someone should be able to address a judge’s performance if they show a pattern of unreasonable decisions.
©WLNE-TV 2018
