DA Blasts Judge After Suspect Accused of Taking 4-Year-Old Child Gets Released

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney criticized a judge’s decision to release a man accused of taking a 4-year-old girl from a laundromat in Patchogue, calling the allegations in the case “concerning” and warning about potential risks to the community, as reported by The New York Post.

Authorities said Carlos Corte, 38, was charged Sunday with second-degree kidnapping after allegedly leading a young child away from her mother and out the back of Laundry Kingdom in Patchogue, Long Island.

Despite the charge, James F. Leonick ordered Corte released on supervised release with a GPS monitor. Corte also had an outstanding bench warrant at the time of his arrest, according to prosecutors.

THESE JUDGES ARE UNBELIEVABLE! Get rid of bail reform ! Another child kidnapper set free by judge !

Carlos Corte ‘allegedly’ snatched a 4-year-old from her mom at Laundry Kingdom in Patchogue, led her out the back, and took her to the library??!!

Corte’s excuse via lawyer:… pic.twitter.com/QLwaEZROBk

— AMERICANVibes (@AMErikaNGIRLLL) March 30, 2026

Here’s What They’re Not Telling You About Your Retirement

Tierney said he disagreed with the decision to release the defendant, given the circumstances outlined in the case.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

“We respectfully disagree with it [the outcome]. I think if you look at the facts of the case, clearly they’re concerning,” Tierney said Sunday.

“Also, you have a situation where there was already a bench warrant issued. This person has tenuous ties to the jurisdiction,” he added.

The district attorney said the case may require further action from prosecutors moving forward.

“So this is just another situation where it appears as though, you know, we’re gonna have to act and act quickly to protect the community,” Tierney said.

During Corte’s arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip, his defense attorney, Alexandra Dyroff, argued that the incident was the result of a misunderstanding tied to a language barrier.

“Your honor, my client has had zero interaction with law enforcement. We’re asking for a release on his own recognizance. He thought the girl lived alone without parents,” Dyroff told the court.

“He took her to the library and told an employee there as such, but there was a language barrier. It seems to be a mistake,” she added.

Warning: Account balances and purchasing power no longer tell the same story. Know in 2 minutes if your retirement is working for you.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.