NYC judge who freed brute accused of beating elderly man shuts door on Post reporter
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A judge in Manhattan who was responsible for releasing Johnson Earl, a repeat offender, after he reportedly attacked an elderly man, declined to discuss her decision when approached by The Post on Saturday.

When a reporter introduced themselves, Beverly Tatham, visibly annoyed, firmly stated, “Noooo – you cannot come to my home,” before promptly closing the door to her residence in Brownsville.

It appeared that the judge, who had allowed the 44-year-old Earl to be released under supervision, was not willing to justify her actions despite the fact that he was facing a charge of second-degree assault for allegedly assaulting an 83-year-old man on a subway train in Lower Manhattan the previous month, as per the police.


Johnson Earl's mugshot
Johnson Earl was charged with second-degree assault for the horrifying Dec. 20 attack on an 83-year-old man.

The horrifying attack unfolded on Dec. 20 after the senior accidentally stumbled over Earl’s foot as a southbound No. 5 train was approaching Fulton Street station, police said. 

Earl, enraged, apparently socked the elderly man in the face, sparking a brawl that ended with the perp putting the victim in a chokehold before continuing to pummel him, an assistant district attorney said during Earl’s Jan. 2 arraignment.

The assault left the man with cuts to his face and head, and he later took himself to the Kings County Hospital Center for treatment, according to police. 

Despite pleas from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office to set Earl’s bail at $75,000 cash or $100,000 bond – and a lengthy rap sheet that includes 13 prior arrests – Tatham opted to release him back onto the streets.


Judge Beverly Tatham posing in a chair
“Noooo – you cannot come to my home,” an irritated Judge Beverly Tatham said in response to a Post reporter identifying themself. Judge Beverly Tatham

In July, Earl was arrested for repeatedly punching a security guard at a 99-cent store in The Bronx, according to the criminal complaint, which alleges that he seethed “Why are you not attending to me?” during the beatdown.

He was ordered to stay away from the victim, but the case was later adjourned in contemplation of dismissal, according to Bronx prosecutors.

The career criminal has been arrested at least four other times for assault dating back to 1999, according to police sources.

He’s also been nabbed in the past for criminal possession of a weapon and marijuana possession, the sources added. 

Earl is next scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 27, records show. 

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