Judge Discovers Bullet Holes in Apartment, Fails to Notify Police Promptly

In a troubling incident, Judge Valentina Morales, known for her lenient approach in Manhattan criminal court, found bullet holes in her Hell’s Kitchen apartment but did not immediately contact law enforcement. The discovery occurred on July 31, revealing damage above her bed and a bullet fragment in a plastic box beneath it. Despite the alarming nature of the situation, the judge opted to inform the Office of Court Administration instead, which subsequently reached out to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The New York Police Department (NYPD) was only notified two days later, on August 2, when an arrest warrant was executed at Morales's residence. The criminal complaint detailed the presence of various weapons in her apartment, including 22 switchblades, 12 electronic stun guns, and multiple sets of brass knuckles, raising concerns about the safety of judicial staff. The Unified Court System emphasized its commitment to the safety of judges and court personnel, stating that any threats or acts of violence are taken very seriously. Judge Morales has a controversial history, having previously released violent offenders, including Frankie Centeno, who fled the country after being placed under electronic monitoring for gun possession. Another case involved Venezuelan migrant Walter Almachi Leal, who was released without bail after a violent incident. The lack of immediate police involvement in the bullet hole discovery has sparked further scrutiny of Morales's judicial decisions and the overall safety protocols in place for judges.