NYCLU Moves to Review Records Detailing the Monroe County Public Defender Selection Process

Watch a video detailing the issue.

The Genesee Valley Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union today filed a request under the state’s Freedom of Information Law to review Monroe County legislative records regarding the arrests of three African-American community leaders: State Assemblyman David Gantt, the Rev. Franklin Florence and Raymond Scott. The three were arrested in February at the County Office Building during protests over the selection process for a new public defender.

“The actions and subsequent statements of officials amidst the selection process have raised troubling questions,” said Gary Pudup, director of the Genesee Valley Chapter of the NYCLU. “The chilling effect this had on the freedoms of local citizens to participate in the democratic processes is clear – we cannot let this go without closer investigation of what all happened.”

The NYCLU will continue to investigate the matter to determine if any violations of constitutional rights occurred and to advocate for a more open and participative process.