David Patton Quoted in The New York Times, “Brooklyn Jail Is Too ‘Inhumane’ for 75-Year-Old Tax Scammer, Judge Says”

Hecker Fink Partner and former Executive Director and Attorney-in-Chief of the Federal Defenders of New York, David Patton, was quoted in The New York Times article, “Brooklyn Jail Is Too ‘Inhumane’ for 75-Year-Old Tax Scammer, Judge Says.”

David shared his concerns about the lack of accountability within the Metropolitan Detention Center’s leadership. “People are dying because of their inaction,” he said. “I know it’s not easy to take on your colleagues in the Bureau of Prisons. I know it’s not easy to reform a broken culture. But it’s time for some fortitude from our leaders.”

On August 5, 2024, Judge Gary Brown said he would vacate the sentence of a 75-year-old man convicted on tax fraud charges and instead place him on house arrest if he were sent to serve time at the Brooklyn jail, citing “inhumane treatment” at the facility.

The 17-page decision described in extensive detail the inhumane conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center, including lengthy lockdowns, vicious assaults and significant delays in providing medical care.