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In a recent turn of events, a former drug dealer from New York, who had his 10-year federal sentence commuted by ex-President Donald Trump in 2021, has been apprehended over allegations of domestic violence and assault. Court documents reveal that Jonathan Braun, aged 41, now faces charges in Nassau County Court, Long Island, for physically assaulting his 75-year-old father-in-law and his wife.
On Tuesday, authorities allege that Braun struck his father-in-law twice in the face as the older man attempted to defend his daughter. Moreover, on July 17, Braun reportedly pushed his wife off their bed, causing her significant leg injuries, and on August 12, he is accused of repeatedly hitting her on the head after knocking her down.
Additionally, Braun faces charges in Nassau County District Court for petty theft related to his failure to pay approximately $160 in bridge tolls. He allegedly crossed various bridges 40 times in high-end vehicles, including a Lamborghini and a Ferrari, neither of which had visible license plates.
At his arraignment on Wednesday, Braun entered a plea of not guilty to charges of second-degree assault on a senior citizen, two counts of third-degree assault, and one theft charge. Despite the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office recommending a $35,000 bail, he was released without bond, and protective orders were issued for the victims involved.
Previously, in February, Braun was ordered to pay a $20 million fine by a Manhattan federal court judge in a civil suit for predatory lending, where emails indicated his active and remorseless participation in the illegal activities.
Marc Fernich, Braun’s attorney, confirmed the arrest linked to the domestic violence allegations, noting that Braun had pleaded not guilty and was released on parole, pending further court proceedings.
This arrest comes amidst political commentary, with Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for Donald Trump, emphasizing Trump’s stance on criminal justice, contrasting it with positions held by Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris concerning bail reform.
Braun’s early release was controversially influenced by his family’s connections to Jared Kushner, a senior aide in the Trump administration, despite ongoing negotiations for a cooperation deal with prosecutors at the time. His current legal troubles could potentially lead to a return to federal prison if found in violation of his probation terms related to his previous felony convictions for marijuana trafficking and money laundering.
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