Judge revokes bail for man who called witness a ‘snitch’
Judge Charles Erlich on Tuesday revoked bail for a 35-year-old defendant after court officials allegedly overheard the man call an eyewitness a “snitch,” according to a release from the District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors said Gerald Andrews was awaiting a pretrial hearing for the 2008 straw purchase of a .45 caliber handgun when officials overheard the alleged threat.
After assistant D.A. Douglas Rhoads demanded Andrews stop threatening the witness, who officials said was already terrified of the man, Andrews allegedly again replied in open court that the woman was a “snitch.” She was escorted safely out of the room.
Following testimony from Rhoads, Erlich immediately revoked Andrews’ bail. “The message needs to get out – this isn’t the street, it’s a courtroom,” he said. “Giving a statement is not a badge of dishonor.”
Andrews, who is facing charges of tampering with public records, unsworn falsification and unlawful transfer for the alleged firearm purchase, is next due in court on June 24 for a jury trial.
