Former ‘Burberry Bandit’ Returns to Streets Amid Controversial Bail Decision
Cornell Neilly, known as the ‘Burberry Bandit,’ has been released on supervised release by Brooklyn Supreme Court Judge Jeffrey Gershuny, despite 34 prior arrests and a recent alleged crime spree of robbing five NYC banks in one month. His latest alleged crimes, including robbing five banks in a single month, have raised concerns among law enforcement. The NYPD has criticized the court’s decision, citing a lack of concern for public safety. Neilly, 35, has a lengthy criminal record of bank robberies, and his latest alleged robberies have sparked fears of a potential escalation in violence.
The judge, who recently faced a disciplinary action after pulling out his own gun in court, has drawn scrutiny for his bail decisions. Neilly is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 1, facing five counts of felony robbery. His attorney did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. The NYPD has also raised questions about the court system’s approach to bail determinations, as the judge reportedly rejected the prosecution’s request for $50,000 cash bail or $150,000 bond. An NYPD officer who asked to remain anonymous told the New York Post that the decision reflects a ‘real lack of care for public safety.’ The officer added that at some point, Neilly might become desperate and resort to using a gun, leading to lethal consequences.
The controversy surrounding Gershuny’s bail rulings comes just one month after he was demoted to presiding over misdemeanor cases in criminal court following an incident in which he reportedly reached for his own gun while presiding over a weapons case. The incident, which occurred during an August court hearing, resulted in Gershuny being moved to hearing night court cases in Manhattan Criminal Court. A court spokesman said the system does not comment on individual bail determinations, emphasizing the importance of weighing factors in making individualized assessments.
Neilly’s alleged bank robbery spree reportedly began on Aug. 16, when he entered the Chase Bank at 27th Street and Seventh Avenue in Midtown Manhattan and handed the teller a note demanding $3,500. The teller reportedly handed him $1,000 before he made his escape. In subsequent incidents, Neilly allegedly requested similar amounts at other Chase Bank locations but was sometimes denied or ran away when the alarm was triggered. These alleged crimes have led to increased public concern, with some calling for stricter bail reforms and better oversight of the court system to prevent future escalations of violence.