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WARREN -- Warren Municipal Court Judge Natasha Natale hosted the court's inaugural Safe Surrender event on Thursday, offering individuals with active warrants an opportunity to resolve their legal issues without immediate arrest.
The event, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Warren Municipal Court, saw 12 participants, with 10 cases successfully resolved, according to Natale.
The Safe Surrender initiative allowed individuals with outstanding capiases, warrants issued for failure to appear in court, to check in at the clerk's office and meet with defense attorneys on-site.
City Prosecutor Cheryl Zebrasky collaborated with defense attorneys Laura Berzonski, director of the Public Defender's Office, Desirae DePiero and Aaron Meikle to negotiate resolutions. Some participants had their cases fully resolved, while others were bound over to common pleas court.
Notably, no participants were jailed during the event.
"Having a capias can be a barrier for individuals moving forward," Judge Natale said. "This is allowing greater access to the justice system."
She emphasized the event's success, noting that 10 participants left without active warrants, some of which dated back over a year.
"Not a single person went to jail, and almost all the cases were resolved," she added. She said that the event focused on removing barriers to employment, education and other opportunities.
Valerie Burns, a 56-year-old Warren resident, attended the event to support her grandson, who faced a felony charge of complicity to robbery.
Burns praised the initiative, calling it a "lifesaver" for young people.
"This judge is giving people second chances, which is what this city needs," she said. "If we can get these younger kids a second chance, maybe they won't be out here losing their lives."
Natale credited the event's success to her staff, the clerk's office, bailiffs and the volunteer attorneys, as well as community support from city council members Todd Johnson, I-1 Ward and Honeya Price, D-6 Ward.
"They don't have to be here, but they came to support this program," Natale said.
The two unresolved cases were delayed due to requirements under Marcy's Law for victim notification. Natale says she plans to host future Safe Surrender events, although no specific date has been set.