Judge warns Monique Fort: ‘this close to Rikers Island’
Monique Fort faces strict conditions after robbery and assault charges
A Bronx judge issued a stark warning to Monique Fort, accused of robbing a 7-year-old boy and slapping his mother, stating she was “this close to going to Rikers Island” after granting her supervised release. The incident occurred on September 24 at Richard’s Fruit and Vegetables on Jerome Avenue in Mount Eden. Fort, 48, has 14 prior arrests.
Judge Margaret W. Martin cautioned Fort during the court appearance on October 17, as per court transcripts. “Ms. Fort, I am telling you right now. It might not seem like it, but you came this close to going to Rikers Island right now,” Martin said. She further warned, “If you screw this up in any way, I’m remanding you, which means you could be the richest person on the face of the earth, and you wouldn’t be able to bail out until these charges are resolved.”
The judge repeatedly asked Fort if she understood the conditions, to which Fort responded affirmatively each time. Additionally, an order of protection was issued to prevent Fort from approaching the injured mother and her son.
NEW: The woman with 14 prior arrests who robbed a 7-year-old boy and slapped his mother in a Bronx bodega was released without bail the day after her arrest
Monique Fort, 48, was arrested on Oct. 16 for robbing a child of $4 and slapping his mother inside a Bronx bodega on Sept.… pic.twitter.com/K64HHKb8vY
— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) October 22, 2024
Surveillance footage from the bodega showed Fort poking her head into the store before confronting the boy and snatching the money from his hand. As she tried to leave, she encountered the boy’s 38-year-old mother, who attempted to stop her while pushing another child in a stroller. Fort then struck the mother in the face and fled. The attack left the boy crying and apologizing to his mother.
Assistant District Attorney Gary McKenna said the boy was “crying, visibly shaken and apologizing to his mother for her being attacked.”
Fort faced charges including felony and misdemeanor assault, felony robbery, grand larceny, petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment. During the arraignment, Martin questioned the felony assault charge, noting the absence of serious physical injury or use of a dangerous instrument.
Eric Scott, Fort’s Legal Aid Society attorney, argued that the only evident impact was the minor child being upset. However, McKenna requested Fort be held on $20,000 cash bail, $60,000 insurance bond, or a partially secured bond due to her arrest history and alleged failure to appear in court.
McKenna highlighted Fort’s three outstanding warrants in New York County and an ongoing assault case in the Bronx. Her previous arrests include robbery, reckless endangerment, prostitution, and loitering.
As the arraignment concluded, Martin advised Fort, “Don’t screw this up. You are going to be interviewed by the people of supervised release now. No one is going to try to make this hard for you. This is about making sure you come back to court, you are not rearrested and you know what it means to abide by the terms of the order of protection.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Monique Fort do to get arrested?
She robbed a 7-year-old boy and slapped his mother.
What warning did the judge give Monique Fort?
The judge warned her she was ‘this close to going to Rikers Island.’
What conditions were placed on Monique Fort’s release?
She was granted supervised release with an order of protection.
What charges is Monique Fort facing?
She faces charges including felony assault, robbery, grand larceny, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Why did the judge question the felony assault charge?
The judge noted the absence of serious physical injury or use of a dangerous instrument.
