Regional Briefs – March 14, 2019

Court Allows Ex-Speaker to Remain Free During Appeal

NEW YORK – A federal appeals court said Thursday that ex-Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver can remain free while it decides the merits of his appeal, The Associated Press reported. Silver would have been required to report to prison next week to begin serving his seven-year prison sentence.

Hate Crimes Unit Investigates Ginsburg Poster Graffiti

BROOKLYN – The NYPD’s hate crimes unit is investigating after a poster of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was defaced with a swastika and an anti-Semitic insult, WNBC reported. “DIE JEW” was written across her forehead.

Man Involved in Highway Crash Killed After Exiting Car

ELK, N.J. – A motorist was struck and killed on a highway early Thursday after he got out of his vehicle following an unrelated crash, The Associated Press reported. Edward Phillips, 40, pulled over and walked onto the highway’s left lane, where he was struck by a passing car.

Worker Admits Breaking Rules to Give Friend Contracts

TRENTON – A transportation worker in charge of buying supplies was arrested Wednesday for violating rules dozens of times in order to award contracts to a friend, The Associated Press reported. Ricardo Noce, 62, faces a three-year state prison term, forfeits his job and must pay $93,059 in restitution.

Illegal Bites Off Finger of Arresting ICE Officer

BRONX – An illegal immigrant bit off part of an ICE officer’s finger when he was arrested for overstaying his visa, The Associated Press reported. Cristopher Santos Felix was charged Thursday with assaulting an officer, who required hospitalization for treatment.

Official Fired for Harassment a Year Ago Still Paid

ALBANY – A former top Office for People with Developmental Disabilities official fired 10 months ago over harassment complaints is still making $136,000 a year, The Associated Press reported. Jay Kiyonaga was let go last May after investigators documented “reprehensible” conduct. He currently does nothing but collects his salary.