by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, March 29 – On Cromwell Avenue in The Bronx on November 5, 2020 Andrew Done shot and killed Angel Barreiro.
Then NYPD officer Gina Mestre helped him evade capture for the murder, according to an indictment unsealed on August 15, 2023. Inner City Press had reported on the Done case, resulting in a sentence of 35 years, and covered her arraignment and release on bail on August 16, the only media in the courtroom.
Before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Denise L. Cote, Mestre appeared in a black hooded sweatshirt, a tattoo visible on her arm.
Judge Cote set a January 2024 trial date.
The SDNY prosecutors had already agreed that unlike many defendants down in the Magistrates Court, she could be released on bail: a $250,000 bond with two so-signers.
On December 1 Mestre's lawyer wrote in, "The parties have reached a negotiated disposition in principle... schedule a change of plea hearing for December 7."
On December 7, Mestre's plea was accepted - and the plea agreement, to Count 4, is to a 70 to 87 month guideline, with a 15 year maximum. Plea agreement on Patreon here.
On March 29, she got the 70 months, starting May 10, 2024, thread:
Judge: The Supreme Court has said District Judges can consider a wide range of information at sentencing. Defendant claims her supervisors told her to get close(r) to Mr Done. We'll take a break so the defense and prosecution can talk.
After the break, the sentencing is going forward. Defense: Ms Mestre lost her moral compass. But she had nothing to do with the murder. I've represented police officers who have done a lot worse. She expects to do time, after she finishes her nursing degree
Defense lawyer: Police officers support Gina Mestre. She was told to dress like a prostitute. She list her way with this guy. 70 months would be outrageous.Defense: We say 12 months in jail. AUSA: The police officers in the back of this courtroom [3, it appears] do not support Ms Mestre.
Gina Mestre: I apologize. I'd like to finish my nursing degree.
Judge: I sentence you to 70 months.
Previously the prosecutor asked for an exception to the prohibition, saying in open court that Mestre's "partner" - boyfriend - is a former NYPD officer. Inner City Press has already tweeted that;
more details and name on Substack here.
The case is US v. Mestre, 23-cr-418 (Cote)
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