It’s Official: Castelli Wins Full 2-Year Assembly Term by 112 Votes

WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2010. December 10, 2010 UPDATED WITH STATEMENT FROM ROBERT CASTELLI:


The recanvass of Westchester County voting machines in the 89th Assembly district confirmed today, as reported first by WPCNR two days ago, confirmed Robert Castelli of Lewisboro the winner of the Assembly seat (formerly held by Adam Bradley) the winner by 112 votes of 42,414 votes cast, 21,263 votes for Mr. Castelli to 21,151 for White Plains’ Tom Roach. 


In court Friday, New York State Supreme Court Justice Lester Adler denied a motion by Castelli’s opponent to block certification of the race and order a manual hand recount of all ballots in the 89th Assembly District. Justice Adler also ordered the Westchester County Board of Elections to certify the race with Castelli as the winner.


According to the official statement of votes cast in Westchester County at the General Election of November 2nd 2010, for the office of Member of the Assembly 89th District that appeared in the Westchester County Board of Elections Statement of Canvass that was transmitted to the New York State Board of Elections, the final results are as follows:


Thomas M. Roach, Dem.     received:     19,100

Robert J. Castelli, Rep.    received:    18,851

Thomas M. Roach, Ind.    received:       995

Robert J. Castelli, Con.    received:    2,347

Thomas M. Roach, Wor.    received:    1,056

Robert J. Castelli, Tax.    received:         65


TOTAL:    42,414


Thomas Roach, the Common Council President in White Plains, conceded today.


Mr. Castelli’s office issued the following statement:



“I expected this to be a hard race, and went into it without any illusions,” Castelli said. “We needed to fight for every single vote, and we did, and the end result was a victory. I congratulate my opponent on a hard fought race and the civil discourse and debate that was the hallmark of our race, and look forwards to working with him once again for the betterment of the people of White Plains and the 89th Assembly District,” Castelli said. “I also look forward over the next two years to working with my friends across the aisle to achieve meaningful reforms in State Government, and in some small way, to restore the tarnished reputation of those who hold public office in Albany.”


 

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Deeply Dissappointed in Verdict: Bradley. Cites Grounds for Appeal

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. From Mayor Adam Bradley of White Plains. December 9, 2010:



Mayor Adam Bradley Chairing the Common Council meeting Monday evening.


Mayor Adam Bradley issued a statement to the media this afternoon on today’s verdict from Judge Susan Capeci in Westchester County Family Court finding him guilty on charges of Contempt, Attempted Assault 3rd, and three charges of harassment,  2nd Degree for the February 28 alleged hand-slamming incident and harrassment stemming from the March 5 to April 2nd period when he was under restraining orders from the Judge.


Here is the Mayor’s statement, issued Thursday at 4:33 P.M.:


Today’s verdict is deeply disappointing, and one with which I disagree.



From the beginning, I have been unequivocal in stating that the charges against me were false and unfounded, and that I did not in any way mistreat my wife. I still believe that the truth will ultimately come out in the judicial process, and it is for this reason that I will appeal.



The legal basis for this appeal is strong and compelling, including but by no means limited to the following:



·     Relevant and germane evidence from doctors and counselors that corroborate my testimony and show my wife’s testimony was untrue were not allowed into evidence or even considered in camera.



·     Numerous relevant and material witnesses, including friends and neighbors of my wife, as well as our former au pair, who would have directly refuted allegations against me yet who were prohibited from testifying or were severely restricted in what they could say.



·     Notes and testimony from CPS workers who visited our home and interviewed my daughter in the aftermath that portray a very different picture and were not considered in these proceedings.



This trial represents a deprivation of due process. It is my strong belief that when these and other facts that were ignored in this court are considered during the appellate process, this decision today will be rightly overturned and justice will ultimately prevail. Most importantly, the truth will come out.



In the meantime I want to very clearly reiterate that, as I have done every day since I took office, I will continue to work as Mayor for the people of White Plains. My commitment to this city and my devotion to my duties as Mayor remain steadfast.



The people of White Plains, and most importantly my children, have the right to know the truth of this matter. My two precious daughters, whom I love more than anything, are my greatest responsibility. I am innocent and I do not want them to have to live with a legacy of lies.



To the many friends and residents in White Plains and beyond who have offered their prayers, love and support for my children and me during this ordeal, I offer my deepest heartfelt thanks.  



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D.A.: Verdict Testimony to Fumiko Bradley Credibility, Courage. 1 Yr. Jail Poss.

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. Statement From the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office on the Bradley Verdict. (EDITED)December 9, 2010:


 


Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced that Adam T. Bradley (DOB 07/13/61) of 16 Little John Place, White Plains, New York was convicted today after a bench trial of:


 



  • one count of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree, a class “A” Misdemeanor,
  • one count of Attempted Assault in the Third Degree, a class “B” Misdemeanor,
  • three counts of Harassment in the Second Degree, Violations,

 


relating to domestic violence incidents which occurred over a period of time against his wife Fumiko Bradley. Every single incident was credited by a conviction.


 


”The Court’s verdict spoke to the courage and credibility of Fumiko Bradley and her faith in the criminal justice system,” said District Attorney Janet DiFiore after the Court’s verdict. “The fact that this defendant is an elected official had no bearing on the prosecution of this case and demonstrates that we will support victims of domestic violence no matter who the abuser may be.”


 


The defendant faces a maximum of one year in the County Jail on the top count when sentenced on March 17th, 2011.





The first incident occurred at their home on Fernwood Road in White Plains, New York on January 11, 2010 at approximately 6:30 p.m. when the defendant, during a discussion with his wife, became angry and threw a mug of hot Jasmine tea on her chest. 


 


The second incident occurred at their home on Fernwood Road in White Plains, New York on February 28, 2010, at approximately 9:30 a.m. when the defendant grabbed his wife’s left arm and placed it against a door frame and proceeded to bang the door, twice, against her left hand bruising it.


 


On March 5, 2010 the defendant went to a residence in Scarsdale, New York where the


victim was with her two children.


 


He approached the victim while she was alone and accused her of lying in the pending


criminal action against him.  The defendant claimed that she was the one who had


attacked him, that he was defending himself and that the criminal case was going


to result in him losing his career.


 


He spoke in a loud voice that increasingly became louder. He then told the victim that


she should check herself into a mental hospital for five days. The victim asked him


why and the defendant told her that in order to save him and his career she had to


either go to a mental hospital and say she was crazy or say that she lied in her


statement to the police and go to jail.


 


In doing so, the defendant harassed the victim in direct violation of a temporary


order of protection issued by the Court. 


 


On the evening of March 10, 2010, at the Fernwood Road residence, the victim was at


home sleeping in her bedroom. Upon entering the home, defendant awakened the


victim and said “you did it, you lied; It’s your fault.” 


 


The following morning, on March 11, 2010, the defendant again tried to speak with


the victim about the criminal charges and the victim asked the defendant to stop.


He refused to do so. 


 


Later that evening at approximately 5:30 p.m. the defendant again started yelling


at her and blaming her for the criminal charges pending against him. He yelled at


her that he had not done anything, that the victim was physically abusing him and


that he was defending himself. 


 


At approximately 9:00 a.m. on March 25, 2010, while the victim was taking a shower,


 the defendant entered the bathroom shouting that he had received a telephone call


that emails had come out and the defendant then screamed “It’s over, it’s over, you


should hang yourself!”  and left the home slamming the door. 


 


At approximately 9:15 a.m. on April 2, 2010, the defendant entered the home holding


a newspaper. The defendant walked over with the newspaper and hit the victim’s hand


several times and said loudly, “you have to read it, you have to read it.” 


The victim felt frightened, asked the defendant to speak to her lawyer and ran to


the bedroom upstairs. 


 


”The Court’s verdict spoke to the courage and credibility of Fumiko Bradley and her faith in the criminal justice system,” said District Attorney Janet DiFiore after


the Court’s verdict. “The fact that this defendant is an elected official had no bearing on the prosecution of this case and demonstrates that we will support


 victims of domestic violence no matter who the abuser may be.”



 


A temporary order of protection in favor of his wife remains in effect.


 


Second Deputy District Attorney Audrey Stone, Chief of the Special Prosecutions Division and


 Assistant District Attorney Amy Puerto, Deputy Chief of the Domestic Violence Bureau are prosecuting the case.


 


 


 


 

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Mayor Found Guilty of Attempted Assault, Contempt, 3 Harassments



 


 







WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. Special to WPCNR from Peter Katz. December 9, 2010 UPDATED DECEMBER 10 8:35 A.M. E.S.T.WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:


 


There was a mixed verdict today in the domestic violence trial of White Plains Mayor Adam Bradley.


 


Bradley was found not guilty of 3 charges of assault in the 3rd degree. However, he was found guilty of attempted assault and harassment against his wife, Fumiko, and contempt for violating a court-issued order of protection. The verdicts were rendered by Judge Susan Capeci in Westchester County Family Court.


 


The Mayor was found guilty of attempted assault in the February 28 door-slamming incident involving his wife, and on 3 charges of harassment in the 2nd degree.


 


The three charges of assault of which Bradley was found not guilty were related to the February 28 incident. The judge also found Mayor Bradley not guilty on charges of witness tampering during the period March 5 through April 2, and not guilty of attempted assault relating to the January 11 alleged tea throwing incident.


 


The Judge set sentencing of the Mayor for March 17.


 


Later, outside of the Westchester County Courthouse, Bradley’s attorney, Luis Penichet, said his client would be found totally innocent on appeal. Penichet said they will file their appeal in 30 to 45 days.


 


Penichet said that the truth will come out when witnesses are allowed to testify.


 


He said that only about one-third of the witnesses he wanted to call to the stand in the Mayor’s defense were allowed to testify. Referring to the judge’s mix of guilty and not guilty decisions, Penichet said, “You either believe [the complainant Fumiko Bradley] or you don’t.” He opined that the judge’s action “…will not withstand appellate scrutiny.”     


 


Penichet intercepted questions aimed at Mayor Bradley by the reporters, pointing out that he was under a “gag order” preventing him from speaking about his on-going divorce case, which also is before Judge Capeci.


 


 Despite Penichet’s advice, Bradley did step forward to make a brief statement. Bradley said he will not step down from office. He said the the appeal process would be a “real trial,” and it will prove his innocence. He said he wants to be sure his children will not be left with “a legacy of lies.” He said that he needed to get back to city hall because there’s a lot of work to do there.


 


Neil Comer, Fumiko Bradley’s divorce attorney, said Mrs. Bradley could not be in court today because she had a job where she has to go every day. Comer characterized Bradley’s version of what happened or did not happen by saying, “…he’s a politician.”


 


Comer refused to comment on whether today’s verdict would affect the Bradley’s divorce case, saying all parties were under a “gag order” from Judge Capeci.


 


Outside of the courtroom, after the verdict was announced, the prosecutors Audrey Stone and Amy Puerto had jubilant expressions on their faces as they accepted congratulations from some observers.


 


A camera crew from Channel 7 was allowed inside the courtroom to provide coverage of the verdict. Despite requests to court officers, other media cameras were not allowed in. WPCNR learned that Channel 7 had sent a letter to the court in advance requesting permission to be there.


 


Mayor Bradley had been originally arrested on February 28th.


 


 


In related developments…


 


After the verdict, five members of the White Plains Common Council: Benjamin Boykin, David Buchwald, Milagros Lecouna, Tom Roach and Beth Smayda are reported by The Journal News as calling for the Mayor to resign in the wake of the Guilty verdicts, despite the fact the mayor was cleared of all assault charges. 


 


Mr. Roach, the President of the Common Council, who would have to initiate a resolution calling for the Mayor to resign or be removed on the grounds of disorderly conduct or misconduct calling for the Governor to remove the Mayor from office, did not return a WPCNR call for comment on the verdict and Mr. Boykin could not be reached (his answering machine did not pick up). 


 


The Journal News for the second time during the period the Mayor has been fighting for his reputation and his good name, published an editorial this morning calling for the Mayor to resign his office.


 


 


 


 

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