A Pennsylvania man who was cleared of attempting to kill
four members of an Orthodox Jewish community watch group was slapped with a
12-year sentence behind bars Friday.
David Flores, 37, was only convicted of possession of an
illegal weapon after shooting four Shomrim members in Borough Park in 2010 when
they cornered him in his car and tried to pull him out because they thought he
was masturbating.
Flores was acquitted by a Brooklyn jury in November on 15
other counts, including attempted murder, assault and public lewdness.
Prior to his sentencing, an emotional Flores said his life
had become an “unbearable nightmare.”
“My life has been completely shattered due to this horrible
incident,” a teary-eyed Flores said.
“Not only was I beaten to near death in an
unprovoked gang assault, but I have been defamed in the most despicable manner
possible which, in itself, carries a lifetime of unjust suspicion and
unwarranted scorn against my character.”
But Supreme Court Justice Dineen Riviezzo had little
sympathy for Flores, who told her he “found” the gun he used inside an
apartment he was renting in 2001.
“The court finds this explanation for the defendant’s gun
possession .. less than credible,” Riviezzo said.
A small group of Shomrim, as well as Councilman David G.
Greenfield, were present for the sentencing.
“I think it was very clear that the judge wasn’t buying Mr.
Flores’ assertion that he was an innocent victim here,” said Greenfield.
Flores’ mother Elia Miranda broke into hysterics during the
sentencing and was escorted out of the courtroom.
“It’s all you guys’ fault! I hate you people!” she hissed at
the Hasidic men as they left.
Defense attorney Doug Appel has said Flores, a father of an
11-year-old girl, acted in self defense.
Flores previously told the Post he
believed he was attacked by the Shomrim members because they thought he was
Muslim.
“What is the penalty for a hate crime? These people were
beating me. I’ve been railroaded. There’s no justice in this courtroom,” Flores
said after being sentenced.
“I’ll see you in federal court,” he then sniffed at
prosecutors before being led out of the courtroom in cuffs.
Flores, whose lengthy rap sheet includes petit larceny,
public lewdness and commercial burglary charges, was also sentenced to 1 1/2 to
3 years on a separate scheme to defraud charge, which he pleaded guilty to last
week.
No comments:
Post a Comment