01/30/2025
I feel it is important for the residents and businesses of Bernardsville to know that the perpetrator in the linked article is being released from prison in less than two weeks, with scant details from Somerset County law enforcement as to how and why. The first degree and second degree charges, we were told, carry mandatory minimum charges of 10 years and 5 years, respectively. It's mentioned in the article.
Obviously, the victim, my tenant, is upset and worried about retribution, and has asked that additional security measures are taken to secure the apartment even more. Whatever it takes to give a greater feeling of security, I am more than willing to do, so I'm installing window security bars on 5 accessible windows. It shouldn't be this way. Where is justice for the victim?
The bottom line is, one of the nicest persons I have ever met, keeps to himself, who wouldn't even hurt a fly, now lives in fear and will forever live with PTSD. A slight amount of comfort is now found by sleeping with the lights on to help eliminate the element of surprise. Sad but true. At the same time, a Honduran national, who was only in the U.S. a short 4 months before committing his crime with a knife to the neck, will be walking freely amongst us, without fear. Sure, 11 months of incarceration is not a picnic, but that is a temporary setback in his life when compared to the victim.
This is NOT a political statement, there are no lines to read between. What has transpired, and the ultimate outcome, is wrong. Period.
Full stop.
No details from Somerset County prosecutors regarding the obvious plea deal just adds insult to injury. Sentenced to time served, 11 months. No mandatory minimum like the law states. Again, where is justice for the victim??
Sorry if my viewpoint may be contrary to some, but perhaps one's opinion may change if something like this hit so close to their inner circle like it has mine. One of your relatives, a friend, a neighbor, or a coworker. Employ some empathy, try thinking about that before reacting and attacking me.
Maicol Fernandez, 18, has been charged with first-degree robbery and second-degree burglary.
