Brooklyn, NY – In a radio interview that aired last night on Zev Brenner’s Talkline program, Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes responded to suggestions by both The Jewish Week and Assemblyman Dov Hikind that his case against whistle blower Samuel Kellner is flawed.
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As previously reported on VIN News, which referenced an article in The Jewish Week, Kellner’s lawyers have called for outside investigators to review the district attorney’s office’s handling of the extortion case against their client. Hikind challenged Hynes to drop the case against Kellner on July 11th, due to a lack of evidence and reliable sources.
Listen below to the full 20 Min. interview.
Hynes took aim both at The Jewish Week, and its reporter, Hella Winston.
“The Jewish Week has its own bent, one particular reporter doesn’t like me…” remarked Hynes.
“Hella Winston?” prompted Brenner.
“Sad to say, whenever she gets a chance she takes a shot,” responded Hynes.
While Hynes refused to discuss the specifics of the Kellner case, he reiterated his intention to bring the case to trial, believing that he has substantial evidence in the extortion case.
“I believe there was a substantial effort by Mr. Kellner to gain money for his own benefit by making up stories,” said Hynes, adding, “I think we have a substantial case.”
Hynes said that he expects the case against Kellner to begin in October or November, with defendant Baruch Lebovitz, who allegedly abused Kellner’s son, to begin in September. While Lebovitz was convicted on molestation charges in 2010, his conviction was later overturned on a technicality.
Hynes also shared his thoughts on the Crown Heights race riots of 1991, most recently brought to light by a preview of an upcoming memoir to be published by former Mayor David Dinkins. Dinkins acknowledged that while he bears some responsibility for the riots that ultimately took the life of 29 year old yeshiva student Yankel Rosenbaum, much of the blame belongs to his former police commissioner, Lee Brown.
“It was a very painful period for David Dinkins,” said Hynes. “He was a decent man, a good mayor.”
But Hynes pointed the finger of blame at both Dinkins and the police commissioner, saying it wasn’t until the third day of the riots, when someone threw a rock at Dinkins and he saw firsthand how far the situation had deteriorated, that the mayor ordered the police department to marshal all of its resources in order to bring the chaos to an end.
“It was a sad day: a pogrom, or it appeared to be a pogrom,” reflected Hynes.
Hynes expressed his belief that today, Brooklyn’s many residents embrace their cultural differences.
“I think we glory in our diversity,” noted Hynes. “I doubt very much that something like Crown Heights could ever happen again.”
Pointing to the recent protests in the wake of the Zimmerman verdict, Hynes observed that despite the discord virtually all of the demonstrations have been peaceful.
“We should be able to talk things through rather than hurt each other,” said Hynes.
she is reporting the facts it is time for hynes to retire
At least he has the right take on Dinkins, Lee Brown and the Crown Heights riot.
Why on earth does TERM LIMITS not apply to the DA?
“He was a decent man, a good mayor.”
“Hynes said that he expects the case against Kellner to begin in October or November, with defendant Baruch Lebovitz, who allegedly abused Kellner’s son, to begin in September. “
Hynes, you are betraying everyone at the same time, how do you expect to win?
How can someone be a good mayor and allow riots to go on for three days, with a policy of letting them vent?
How can both Kellner and Lebowits both be guilty? I hope his plan is to get Lebowits tried first to sooth his critics, knowing Lebowits will win as long as a question mark hangs over kellner and then try Kellner who he has no case against.
Hynes really knows how to dance around.
Why shouldn’t Kellner have his day in court? Hynes clearly says he has evidence. How do we know what they have? Knowing him, I would not be surprised at all if he is guilty.
Interesting. All of Hynes’ actions will only take place AFTER the Democratic primary. I wonder how that was designed!! Kellner is innocent. Lebowitz is guilty. Does anyone remember how Hynes prosecuted Berish Freilich. Hynes claimed he had evidence, etc., etc. and that Freilich should cop a plea. Freilich refused to take a plea, went to trial, and was found 100% NOT GUILTY. Who paid for Freilich’s legal defense, aggravation, loss of income, etc???? It’s the exact same story with Kellner. Hynes is offering a plea deal or he will bankrupt Kellner. Kellner will go to trial and be found 100% NOT GUILTY!! The New York Times, the Jewish Week, and everyone that is for the protection of children are against Hynes. They can’t all be wrong. At the same time, Hynes’ cases are being thrown out of court and his ADA’s and evidence is being reviewed. No wonder Lebowitz, whose guilt was CONFIRMED by the Appealette Court, was released on a technicality – another wrongdoing by Hynes. When will the good citizens of Brooklyn realize that we have a crook as our DA??????