It is a truly bizarre world we live in.
In Fair Lawn, New Jersey bail reform took a surreal turn, as a woman charged with attempted murder was released from jail this past weekend. Sharese Peeples was in jail in Bergen County for nine days before the judge in the case ordered her release with conditions. The release occurred under the auspices of the 2017 New Jersey bail reform law and had law enforcement officers scratching their heads.
“We’re usually quiet about this stuff, but the [law enforcement community] is just shocked. We get that there are people who can’t afford bail, and so [bail reform] lets them stay out and work. But in this case she flat-out shot a homeowner in the face and her accomplice is saying she did it.”
Law enforcement officials in Bergen County and throughout New Jersey are also questioning the application of the new “bail reform” law, which they refer to as a “catch and release” program that has them constantly tracking down repeat offenders who continue to prey on law abiding citizens without any obvious repercussions.
Peeples, who is 32 years old, was charged with attempted murder, weapons offenses, and lying to investigators. If nothing else, the national call for further firearms restrictions and gun control should see Peeples pursued heavily for the illegal use of a firearm. Two others were charged in the alleged crime – Steven Mitchell for filing a false report and Isaiah Lee for filing a false report. Lee remains at large.