HOPEWELL JUNCTION – Fishkill Town Councilman John Forman was arrested last week in East Fishkill and charged with misdemeanor criminal possession of stolen property. He was supposed to be arraigned in the East Fishkill Justice Court on Wednesday evening. The arraignment did not occur.
The full account of the arrest can be found here.
Attorney Anthony DeFazio is representing Forman and told Mid-Hudson News Wednesday afternoon that the arraignment was not taking place. On Wednesday morning DeFazio was informed that the police had not forwarded the paperwork to the justice court. “Even I don’t have the accusatories or supporting deposition,” the attorney said. Mid-Hudson News has been unable to obtain copies of the documents as well.
Fishkill Town Supervisor Ozzy Albra, a Democrat, is being challenged by Forman in next week’s election. After the arraignment was postponed, he told Mid-Hudson News” John Forman was arrested when he was found in possession of a sign marked with an AirTag which reads: Renters and Homeowners pay taxes – John Forman does not.” Albra insists that Forman acted illegally. “I never gave permission for him to remove this sign, which is why the complaint was filed,” and added “I’m looking forward to this being adjudicated in court and I will be happy to provide the special prosecutor with a clear picture of what transpired, and I’m confident this case will result in a conviction.”
Fishkill Councilwoman Louise Daniele, a retired New York State Trooper was annoyed when she learned that no arraignment was taking place. She was in the East Fishkill courtroom Wednesday evening in the event there was a change. “I am disappointed by the excuse that the court did not receive arrest paperwork from the East Fishkill Police Department regarding Councilmember John Forman’s arrest for criminal possession of stolen property until allegedly an hour before court began tonight,” she told Mid-Hudson News. ” The delay of the arraignment until after the November 7th election gives the appearance of political manipulation as the public will not be able to review the arrest paperwork prior to the election.”
Daniele welcomed the call by Republican Dutchess County District Attorney Bill Grady’s request for another office to handle the case. “I look forward to this case being handled by an unbiased Special Prosecutor who will conclude Councilmember John Forman was in possession of stolen property not only in the back of his vehicle but in his legal residence in East Fishkill.” Daniele has long maintained that Forman does not reside in the Town of Fishkill.
