File Photo
By Michael V. Cusenza
Law enforcement officials on Tuesday sought to assuage fears and answer questions regarding the startling case of the Howard Beach man accused of exposing and pleasuring himself behind the wheel of his car outside Frank M. Charles Memorial Park.
David Barone has been charged with second-degree harassment, assault, public lewdness, and exposure of a person – all violations and misdemeanors. He is scheduled to return to court on July 25.
Concerned neighbors confronted Barone on June 18 after witnesses said he had been snapping photos of various females and pleasuring himself as he sat stark naked behind the wheel of his CUV.
Jesse Sligh, executive assistant district attorney in the Queens DA’s Office, assured the audience at the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic meeting at St. Helen Catholic Academy that the case is being handled with care.
“The good thing about this meeting tonight and my coming here is that I have spoken to the DA and this case is now going to be targeted, so that every [ADA] who sees this case will know that it should get some special attention,” Sligh said.
At Barone’s June 19 arraignment, the assistant district attorney requested $1,500 bail, Sligh reported. However, the judge didn’t agree, decided no bail should be set, and Barone was subsequently released on his own recognizance.
“There will not be a disposition in this case without my personal approval of that,” Sligh said sternly. “I’m going to go back [to the office] to email the [ADA] and chiefs involved because I want to make sure that we at least give this case as much attention as humanly possible.”
Sligh noted that the most punishment Barone could get is a year in prison.
“And no one ever does the max,” he added. “But we can make certain recommendations in cases.”
In reviewing the details of the incidents and arraignment, Sligh said he noticed something peculiar.
“[Barone] is being represented by Queens Law Associates,” he said. “I want to find out why a man who makes as much money as he says he makes is not paying for his representation.”
michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
