Officials question decision to release possible hate crime defendants

Officials are questioning a city court judge’s decision to release two men on their own recognizance following their arrests in connection with at least two weekend assaults and robberies being investigated as possible hate crimes.
“Her conduct is so outrageous,” says Mayor Frank Catalina regarding city court Judge Melissa Lohr. “It calls into question her judgment and her competence.”
Catalina went on to say that he believes Judge Lohr has a bias against police officers.
He tells News 12 there are also allegations on social media that one or more of the defendants may have dated the judge's daughter.
While News 12 is told all of the suspects are now behind bars on other charges, Judge Lohr denied that she acted improperly and insists that she released the men based on the information she had at the time.
Meanwhile, Mayor Catalina says he has started an assistance fund for the assault victims and is asking the public to stop by City Hall to make donations to pay for their medical expenses.