On Tuesday, Jan. 28, Adyn Brenden’s criminal proceedings continued at the Kirkland Town Courthouse. Brenden, class of 2027, was suspended from Hamilton College after being identified as a suspect in the “vandalism and defacing of college property with hate speech,” according to a public statement put out by President Steven Tepper on Oct. 14. Brenden was charged with a single count of Aggravated Harassment 1st Degree (a class “E” felony) after defacing the Crossroads Community Mural Project with antisemitic remarks, as previously reported by The Spectator.
On Oct. 11, State Police Marcy Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to a report of “antisemetic remarks posted on art canvasses on campus,” according to New York State Police. Several interviews were conducted, and video surveillance was reviewed to identify the suspect.
“We must all denounce anti-semitic speech and hate speech of any kind; reject it with every fiber of our being. I ask everyone to stand together in solidarity and to hold one another accountable for maintaining this extraordinary learning environment free from intimidation,” Tepper wrote in a statement to the Hamilton community.
Justice Jay G. Williams ’83, the Town Justice in the Town of Kirkland, conducted the hearing over the phone, citing the distance between Brenden’s legal representation and the Kirkland Town Courthouse. Robert M. Schechter of Tilem & Associates in White Plains, NY is representing Brenden in this matter. Brenden was not present for the phone call; his attorney Schechter stated there was no need for him to attend. Justice Williams permitted two representatives of
The Spectator
to listen to the call.
Justice Williams and Schechter ultimately agreed upon an adjournment with consent, pausing any proceedings until Feb. 25. While an appointed Assistant District Attorney was present during Tuesday’s phone call, Schechter repeatedly indicated that the elected District Attorney, presumably Todd Carville of Oneida County, should be present for the Feb. 25 hearing. However, it is possible a resolution may take place before the next Feb. 25 hearing, in which case everyone will need to appear for another phone call, including Brenden himself. “If it’s going to be resolved, he’s got to be present,” Williams said.
If the proceedings continue as planned, without a resolution, Schechter expressed belief that Brenden’s sentence will be reduced on Feb. 25. After the call, however, Justice Williams told
The Spectator
that there is no guarantee of what will happen and Schechter’s statements should be understood as speculation.
