Brooklyn Criminal Court Judge Janice Robinson has frequently released defendants on minimal or no bail, diverging from prosecutors' requests in over a dozen cases, including those involving attempted murder charges, according to a review of court records by The Post. Robinson, who transferred from the civil bench earlier this year, has consistently opted for less stringent bail conditions.
Of the 13 cases examined, eight defendants were released with no bail required. Among these were two individuals charged with attempted murder. In the remaining five cases, bail was set, but at amounts significantly lower than what the District Attorney's office sought. One law-enforcement source described a $10,000 bail for an attempted murder charge as a "partially secured bond backed by nothing," given that only 10% of the bail would be required in cash.
Critics argue that releasing defendants facing serious charges, especially those with multiple open cases or a history of violence, poses a risk to public safety. "It is outrageous to refuse to set meaningful bail on defendants with this many open cases—shooters, blatant recidivists who have shown they will shoot, steal and do violence no matter how many bites at the apple they get," the source told The Post.
The State Office of Court Administration, which represents judges, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Robinson's behalf. The outcomes for many of the defendants released are pending, as most have future court dates.
Robinson, elected to the bench in 2024, began her judicial career in Brooklyn's civil court on January 1, 2025, before moving to the criminal court. She is the niece of Nick Perry, a former New York State Assembly member and former U.S. ambassador to Jamaica. Robinson earned her law degree from American University and spent her early career as an attorney for insurance companies.
Among the cases reviewed, Nayshawn Wilkinson, 19, was charged with attempted murder for allegedly firing a gun into a Brooklyn intersection. Prosecutors requested he be held without bail, but Robinson set bail at $5,000 or a $10,000 bond, which Wilkinson posted.
Jonathan Morris, 21, faced attempted murder and weapons possession charges. Prosecutors sought $250,000 cash bail, but Robinson set bail at $5,000 for one case and $1 for another.
In another instance, Omar Perry, 44, was charged with robbery and weapons possession after allegedly threatening a bus passenger with a hammer while stealing a cellphone. Prosecutors requested $100,000 cash bail or a $500,000 bond, but Robinson released Perry without bail under supervision.
Sunny Demitro, 31, who reportedly has at least 10 open cases, was charged with car theft and leaving the scene of a hit-and-run. Despite prosecutors seeking $25,000 cash bail or a $50,000 bond, Robinson released him on supervised release. Demitro was later arrested on a new grand larceny charge, at which point a different judge set his bail at $5,000.
Elijah Guy, 32, was released without bail on charges of pulling a gun and firing two shots at a man following a dispute, despite prosecutors requesting $50,000 cash bail. He also faced another assault charge from a separate July incident.
Blackman Devon, 36, was released without bail on August 6 after being arrested two days prior with a loaded gun and felony drug charges. Prosecutors had requested $100,000 cash bail.
Watson Barthelemy, 29, with two open cases including a felony assault charge, appeared before Robinson facing new robbery, assault, and theft charges. Prosecutors sought $100,000 cash bail, but he was released without bail. He had previously been held on $10,000 bail for a public lewdness and harassment charge.
Humberto Ortiz, 48, with seven open cases, was charged with grand larceny, burglary, possession of stolen property, and possession of burglar tools. He was released without bail by Robinson, despite the District Attorney's office requesting $25,000 cash bail.
