By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Maxwell Book
SDNY COURTHOUSE, March 3 – Saadah Masoud was indicted for punching and dragging Matt Greenman, who was wearing a flag of Israel, on 42nd Street near the United Nations.
On July 5, 2022 U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Denise L. Cote held the arraignment of Masoud on Federal hate crimes charges. Inner City Press covered it, as the only media in the courtroom. (Tweets here)
After Masoud pled guilty and while he was out on bond awaiting sentencing in March, his Pre Trial Services officer compiled and filed a list of violations of conditions, not abiding by curfew, not proving employment. A hearing was held on February 3 by Judge Cote and Inner City Press was exclusively there.
The Assistant US Attorney said Masoud had refused to work with an Office Rothman --
Masoud's defense lawyer said, This is about Israel, not about being Jewish.
Masoud was ordered "remanded" - two US Marshals moved in and handcuffed him. Inner City Press will cover his sentencing by Judge Cote on March 3.
More was said - on Substack here.
On March 3, Masoud was sentenced to 18 months. Inner City Press was there; thread here:
Assistant US Attorney: A victim will speak first.
Harold "Heshy" Tischler: This evil man came after me twice, to my home. My father was a Holocaust survivor. He had the numbers on his hands. I work in the projects. I am running for office because of this.
AUSA: We seek a guideline sentence. He attacked 3 based on national identity and faith. Victim-1 says he committed a hate crime. Deterrence is needed. Defense: My client's father was imprisoned in the struggle for Palestinian sovereignty- Judge: He pled guilty
Judge: He punched a victim because he perceived him as being an Israeli.
Defense lawyers confer, then continue: Victim-1 wrapping himself in the Israel flag was controversial. This is mitigation. Victim-2 is anti-Black. My client was at a George Floyd protest
Masoud: I apologize to each victim Judge: You have a problem with anger. These protests trigger you. Hate is destructive. Your family treasures you.
Judge: I'm going to sentence you to jail. Please stand. I impose an 18 month sentence.
Back on October 6, there was a superseding indictment, moving from one Hate Crime Act to two charges, including now Conspiracy to Commit Hate Crimes and adding conspiracy with CC-1, and attacks on Victim-2 (for wearing a yarmulke) and Victim-3 (for wearing a Star of David).
On November 3, another retained counsel filed a notice of appearance.
On November 10, Judge Cote docketed: "ORDER as to Saadah Masoud. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the defendant in this matter is scheduled to enter a change of plea on November 22, 2022.
It happened: "Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Denise L. Cote: Change of Plea Hearing as to Saadah Masoud held on 11/22/2022. Change of Plea hearing held. Defendant withdraws his not guilty plea and pleads guilty as charged to count 2 of the S1 indictment. The Court accepts the guilty plea. PSI Ordered. Sentence date set for March 3, 2023 at 3:30 PM. Defendant's sentencing submission shall be due February 17. Government's response due February 24."
Inner City Press has put the plea agreement on its DocumentCloud here. The deal is for a guideline of 18 to 24 months.
Back on July 5, Assistant US Attorney Lindsey Keenan told Judge Cote that Masoud, after his arrest, said upon being bring to the courthouse, "All this for one Jew?"
Judge Cote set a February 21, 2023 trial date. Masoud's Criminal Justice Act (publicly-funded) lawyer said while Masoud is on home confinement he wants to travel to Florida for a wedding on July 7.
AUSA Keenan replied that her Office and Pre-Trial Services previously opposed a social event permission for Masoud and would likely oppose this. She added that her review of social media found inconsistencies in Masoud's statements about his employment.
Masoud's lawyer said his client has a moving business. Judge Cote asked if he files taxes. The response was that the business is cash, and has no website keeping track of what is moved for whom.
The request to travel to Florida was filed and quickly denied.
The case is US v. Masoud, 22-cr-359 (Cote)
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