Overview
- Nassau County police transferred 27-year-old Elder Lopez Avalos to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after a judge released him without monetary bail on arson charges.
- Prosecutors said New York law does not make these arson charges bail-eligible, so the court set non-monetary conditions instead of cash bail.
- Police allege he set vehicles on fire in Freeport using gasoline and a ripped T-shirt as a wick at Municipal Lot 1, near the Woodward Children's Center, and on Brookside Avenue.
- Authorities have cited up to 10 vehicle fires tied to the case, while court papers currently list six counts of arson.
- County officials criticized the release decision and highlighted public-safety concerns, and the governor’s office noted recent bail-law changes meant to give judges more discretion.