The undocumented immigrant who is suspected of raping a 15-year-old in Albany under duress has been granted bail by a judge. He might not be able to leave jail, though, while federal investigators check his immigration status.
Thursday saw the 21-year-old Sakir Akkan appear in Albany City Criminal Court accompanied by his lawyer George LaMarche and a Turkish interpreter.
Akkan consented to transfer the case to Albany County Court in order to potentially pursue grand jury action and to forego a preliminary hearing.
$25,000 cash, a $50,000 bond, or a $75,000 partially secured bond was the bail amount set by Judge John Reilly.
After the event, LaMarche stated that from what he understood, he was being held by federal officials to have his immigration status reviewed.
“Even if he were to post bail, because of that federal hold, he’s not getting out at this time,” he stated.
LaMarche stated that as he had only been hired on Thursday, he was unable to comment on the specifics of the case. Republicans have seized upon Akkan’s status as the most recent unauthorized immigrant to face criminal charges.
Paul Burgdorf, the deputy minority leader of the Albany County Legislature, spoke on the matter after it was heard.
“I think what we’re witnessing today is the result of an open border, a sanctuary city policy by the city of Albany and a total breakdown of our bail laws in New York state,” he stated.
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A thousand migrants currently reside in Albany County, according to Burgdorf.
The police have come under fire from some for failing to issue a press release on Akkan’s apprehension. In order to protect the victims of sexual assault from additional stress, Police Chief Eric Hawkins stated on Wednesday that the agency does not disseminate information about these arrests.
Burgdorf said that the arrest was minimized by the city authorities.
“It does not fit their narrative that there may be danger to the public from violent, illegal aliens,” he stated.
