Newburgh Town officials are condemning the state’s new bail reform law after arresting the same individuals for crimes on a frequent basis.

Sgt. Joseph Rutgliano believes the lack of consequences are allowing offenders to constantly commit crimes.

“Because of the new rules in play, we find ourselves essentially powerless to serve the community,” he says.

Newburgh resident Aakif Charles has been arrested five times since Dec. 5, 2019. On Monday night, he was arrested for allegedly assaulting an officer who attempted to apprehend him.

According to a news release from the Newburgh Police Department, the 31-year-old committed, “Similar crimes relating to car larcenies, and in one instance a Taxi Cab robbery. Charles was out on his 5 prior arrests because of new Bail and Criminal Justice Reforms that have gone into effect.”

News 12 is told officers in Newburgh and across the state are appealing to lawmakers in hopes that the law gets amended.