FULTON COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE-COMMUNITY PROSECUTOR

COURTWATCH ACTIVITES: UPCOMING

CourtWatchers:
BOND REDUCTION DENIED FOR
ZONE 3 RESIDENTIAL BURGLAR
BERNARDO PENA A.K.A. “NEW YORK” OR “SAINT”

FACTS: On Friday November 14, 2008, around 7:20 a.m., Atlanta Police Officers responded to an alarm call at a residence located in Zone 3.

Officers arrived and found the Defendant, Bernardo Pena, inside the residence. The homeowners were not home. Defendant was arrested and indicted by the Grand Jury for Burglary, Possession of Tools for the Commission of a Crime, Criminal Damage to Property in the Second Degree, Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer and Giving False Information to Law Enforcement. Major Finley advised me of this case and it was flagged for community prosecution.

BOND REDUCTION DENIED: This morning, the Defendant’s attorney asked Judge Lovett that his bond be cut in half as he was given a 90K bond at his First Appearance court date and has not been able to get out of jail. The District Attorney’s Office objected because of the strong likelihood that the Defendant would commit another offense. I advised the Court the Defendant’s numerous prior convictions, including a prior conviction for Burglary in Fulton County, as well as Theft by Receiving and Criminal Trespass. AS A RESULT, THE JUDGE DENIED THE REQUEST FOR THE DEFENDANT’S BOND TO BE REDUCED.

NEXT COURTWATCH: Bernardo Pena’s next court date is Tuesday December 16, 2008 at 9 a.m. for Plea and Arraignment at the Fulton County Jail located at 901 Rice Street. At this court date, the Defendant can enter a guilty plea or a not guilty plea and go to trial. If the Defendant enters a guilty plea, it will be a negotiated plea if he accepts the State’s offer, which is currently 5 years to serve in prison. If the Defendant wishes to go forth with a non-negotiated plea, the judge will sentence him after hearing the State’s recommendation.

Therefore, the community’s support will be greatly appreciated to help keep this repeat offender incarcerated.

If you plan to attend this CourtWatch date, please contact Janet Martin at janet.martin@fultoncountyga.gov or
404-699-5297.

Shireen Hormozdi
Zone 3 Community Prosecutor
Fulton County District Attorney's Office
404-624-8026 (office)
404-335-5837 (fax)

Email us
janet.martin@fultoncountyga.gov