Friday, June 5, 2026

Detainee Awaiting Drug Treatment Makes Air Quotes at SDNY Judge Who Says Cycle Can End

SDNY COURTHOUSE, June 2 –    A defendant who is awaiting an in-patient drug treatment bed in MDC-Brooklyn after transfer of supervision from the Eastern District of Washington was before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Arun Subramanian on June 2. Inner City Press was there. 

 As his CJA lawyer asked for the sentencing on his violation of supervised release to take place immediately, even if his client had to stay in the MDC until a bed opened up, the defendant took off his interpretation headphones and gesticulated.   

Judge Subramanian caught it, but did not react as some other District Judges might. He said, I see you making air-quotes, I know you do not trust this process. But this is for your own good.  This cycle can end.

Probation committed to providing an update on Samaritan Village's intake process by June 3 - it was not clear if this would go into the docket - and assured that the intake specialist speaks Spanish.    Judge Subramanian asked the CJA lawyer if he would follow through, and not just go on vacation. The CJA vowed be to all over Probation. We'll see.  

The case is USA v. Rojas-Duran, 1:25-cr-446 (Subramanian)


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