There seemed to be a difference of opinion Friday morning about the likelihood of conviction of former Rutgers football players for armed robberies at a court hearing to decide whether one of them should have his bail reduced. Watch video
NEW BRUNSWICK -- At a bail reduction hearing Friday morning, there seemed to be a difference of opinions as to whether former Rutgers football players would be convicted for armed robberies.
Lloyd Terry's attorney, Wanda Akin, told Superior Court Judge Dennis Nieves that from the evidence she has seen so far, the likelihood of her client being convicted is "slim from what we know at this time."
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Middlesex County First Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Kuberiet begged to differ, reciting much of what he said Terry told police when questioned, including a detailed account of Terry's participation--and that of other former teammates on the Rutgers football team--in a home invasion in April on Prosper street that netted the former players drugs and cash.
But the judge had his own opinion.
"How sad," Nieves said, pointing out that it seemed the likelihood of conviction was high in the case since all of the arrested Rutgers students "sang like canaries."
Akin told Nieves that she has not yet received a copy of the statements made to police and investigators by her client.
The judge assured her he understood since she does not receive any copies of those statements until her client's case is presented to a grand jury.
The grand jury must decide whether the case should go to trial. Only then would Akin receive all of the evidence collected by the prosecutor's office against Terry.
Prior to Kuberiet's arguments, Akin had argued that Terry was was not a threat to the community and "not just any young man that presents himself to you."
"His being able to be present at any court proceedings is without question," Akin said, noting that main aim of bail is to ensure the presence of defendants for their court proceedings.
Terry was the fourth current or former football player arrested and charged with a series of home invasions and robberies.
Sue Epstein may be reached at sepstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @susan_epstein. Find NJ.com on Facebook.