NYPD Lawyer Charged in Immigrant Sex Offender Case

A lawyer from the NYPD was charged last week for releasing an immigrant sex offender from Mexico who was wanted under an ICE warrant, while court officials contend that the judge was unaware of the situation.

The police department asserts that they had informed the court about the individual’s status as a wanted fugitive, claiming there should have been a notation in the records indicating his felon status following deportation.

Gerardo Miguel Mora, 45, faced a shoplifting charge in Manhattan Criminal Court on January 29, just one day prior to his legal issues. Records indicate he was actually sought on a federal arrest warrant. Mora had been deported in 2014 after serving time for attempted rape, and his criminal history includes a recent charge for possession of crack cocaine in Manhattan.

Despite this, he left the courtroom, prompting a chase by alert U.S. marshals, according to law enforcement sources.

Federal authorities were on the lookout for Mora based on a warrant related to “Re-Entry of Deported Aliens” and were present to arrest him, as reported exclusively by The Post.

Local and federal officials criticized Judge Sheridan Jack Brown for not taking action based on the “packet” of information received. A source stated, “The judge did not know about the warrant; it wasn’t in the file.” In addition, court officials claimed another NYPD memo suggested the warrant should not be acknowledged.

The warrant had been shared with the NYPD and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, according to court memos. NYPD representatives argue that even though the judge lacked the warrant information in his file, a memo did indicate Mora’s status as a federal fugitive.

After being allowed to leave during his court session, Mora attempted to exit through a back door typically used by staff. Law enforcement officials revealed that ICE agents awaited him outside, with sheriff’s officers positioned behind.

Mora is now in federal custody, but the blame game continues among law enforcement agencies. Federal officials have reported that at least three other warrants for immigrants have also gone unaddressed recently.

One observer pointed out that, regardless of who is to blame—be it the courts, the DA’s office, or the NYPD—it’s evident that New York City’s criminal justice mechanisms are obstructing ICE’s efforts.

“It’s a relief that federal authorities are stepping in to show concern,” remarked Michael Alcazar, a former NYPD officer and adjunct professor.

“When we detain someone wanted on a warrant, collaboration with federal agencies is necessary to ensure deportation occurs,” Alcazar emphasized, adding, “Politics should not be part of criminal justice. Just do your job.”

In 2011, Mora followed a 21-year-old woman home after she exited a taxi in Midtown, forced his way in, and attempted to strangle her while removing her clothing. A bystander intervened after hearing her cries for help and subdued Mora until police arrived.

Records indicate that Mora was deported on September 12, 2014, after pleading guilty to charges including robbery and attempted rape.

“He is precisely the kind of individual who should be deported,” noted one police source.