Released Arson Suspect, Amanda Burnside Faces Armed Robbery Charges Within Hours of Leaving Jail


A woman suspected of serial arson, Amanda Burnside from Southampton, was released without bail by a New York judge on Monday, only to become the subject of a new investigation within two hours for an armed robbery attempt at a Dollar Tree store, as revealed by the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office.

Despite prosecutors urging bail set at $500,000 or $1 million bond, Burnside was released on her own recognizance with a judge ordering her to report for supervised release within 72 hours. 

Authorities claim that, shortly after her release, she obtained a knife and attempted to rob the store, sparking criticism from District Attorney Ray Tierney about the state's bail laws. 

Tierney, lead prosecutor in the Gilgo Beach serial killer case, expressed concern that the defendant's dangerousness wasn't adequately considered under New York State law, as dangerousness is not a bail factor judges can consider. 

The incident further fuels the ongoing debate over New York's bail reform laws, a contentious issue for Democrats. 

Following last week's election, Suffolk County Republicans, led by Ed Romaine, secured significant victories, with Romaine becoming the first GOP county executive in 20 years, campaigning against soft-on-crime policies.

 

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