Peter Brownstein, a well-known sex offender from New York City, has openly criticized the state’s parole reforms, suggesting that their implementation could lead to disastrous consequences. In a lengthy letter, he expressed extreme views, claiming, “All I want to do is kill people,” with threats directed at Democrats and others he labeled as “monsters” if he were released.
Brownstein, formerly involved in the fashion industry, gained notoriety in 2005 for impersonating a firefighter to sexually assault a colleague in Chelsea. He managed to evade capture for two months, drawing media attention. In his letter, he warned that the so-called progressive reforms from Albany would only increase the likelihood of dangerous individuals like him reentering society.
In a letter dated June 12, he stated, “If I were released tomorrow, I would immediately be re-imprisoned because all I can do is kill people.” He insisted that prison is where he belongs, currently serving an 18-year life sentence at Wende Correctional Facility in upstate New York.
Brownstein listed various targets he holds disdain for, which included “Democrats (traitors)” and others, mentioning far-left streamer Hasan Piker. He described his feelings toward America as bleak, expressing relief about not being forced to go outside.
The newspaper had asked Brownstein about the potential impact of two parole reform bills being considered in Albany. One, the Elderly Parole Act, would permit violent offenders to bypass minimum sentences and seek early parole after serving 15 years if they turn 55. The second, the Fair and Timely Parole Act, would require parole boards to let convicts go free unless they pose a clear danger to the public.
Brownstein missed a parole hearing last year but plans to appear before the board again next year. Critics of the potential new laws, like former probation board member Mark Coppola, are concerned they might allow dangerous criminals to be released. Coppola noted that this could lead to the early release of murderers and sex offenders, which he finds deeply troubling.
Brownstein, however, remains adamant that he doesn’t want to be released, stating, “The only way to get out of prison is in a body bag.” He explained his ongoing disdain for the outside world, asserting, “Prison is not only the place I deserve to be, it’s the place I want to be.”
Incarcerated, he has reportedly written a book titled “Infinite Wishes,” which addresses an unsettling theme of a young girl and her father. Despite acknowledging that the book likely won’t see publication, he still considers it a personal win.
In 2005, under the guise of being a firefighter, he set a fire to gain entry into a woman’s apartment, where he chloroformed and assaulted her for over 13 hours while filming the act. The victim later testified about her fear and emphasized Brownstein’s chilling assertion that she was fortunate to still be alive after the ordeal.
As a convicted felon, he faces an additional 23 years in prison in Ohio for another kidnapping incident. Authorities arrested him in Tennessee after he attempted to end his life while cornered by police.
Reflecting on his past, Brownstein claimed he occasionally thinks of his victim but showed no signs of remorse, even going so far as to describe his behavior as a form of “self-definition.” His disturbing perception of his actions raises unsettling questions about the nature of accountability and redemption.
