3 Years Probation for Ex-Mayor of White Plains

Though the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office asked for a jail sentence, Judge Susan Capeci gave former White Plains Mayor Adam Bradley three years probation for charges stemming from a domestic violence case involving his estranged wife, Fumiko Bradley.

Capeci said in court that she based her decision on Bradley’s lack of a previous criminal record, and the fact that he has showed “no remorse” since she convicted him on Dec. 9. The city's ex-mayor was charged with one misdemeanor count each of criminal contempt in the second degree, and attempted assault in the third degree, as well as three harassment violations in the second degree.

Bradley—49, who practices family law, and spent time as a New York State Assemblyman for the 89th district—could have faced up to one year in county jail.

Capeci said the matter was a “garden variety domestic violence” case that showed “familiar patterns” of a family struggling with abuse. The judge stated that Bradley’s claims that he never mistreated his wife, and repeatedly stating that he was the victim in his home, were “implausible.”

Capeci also imposed a permanent order of protection against Bradley, which prevents him from having contact with his wife. This could be modified for visitation since the couple has two daughters.

Bradley—who was accompanied by his sister Joelle Bradley, who testified during trial—did not make a statement after the sentencing and directly reported to the probation office. He has previously stated that he will appeal the decision, and has never abused his wife. He has 30 days to make an appeal.

Before Capeci’s sentencing, Assistant District Attorney Amy Puerto read a statement by Fumiko Bradley stating that friends finally gave her the courage to come forward and end the cycle of abuse in her marriage.

“I was married to a powerful politician and I was afraid of what would happen to me and what would happen to my children if I broke the silence,” she wrote.

Fumiko Bradley’s lawyer Neil Comer said that his client feels safer with the judge’s sentence, which she respects, and that she hopes to get on with her life.

“I don’t think she [Fumiko Bradley] brought the mayor of the city down,” Comer said outside the courthouse. “I think he brought himself down. She’s just a crime victim who came forward to seek relief after she just couldn’t take it anymore.”

White Plains residents said they would like to see Bradley move on with his life, as well.

“I think the judge was generous, more than fair,” said Zelle Andrews, 73, of White Plains. “I hope Mr. Bradley understands now what he has to do in order to abide by court directives— he’s had a little problem with that hasn’t he. I hope he’s able to move on to a better life himself. “

Andrews said that Fumiko Bradley was courageous enough to come out of a situation that for some people can be like “living with domestic terrorism in your own home.” Now, she said, the city could put this all behind it with a new mayor.

“The city can begin to heal,” said Andrews. “I’m  glad this is over. It’s been a long and difficult process.”

Bradley represented White Plains resident Elizabeth Ronco, 24, in a family law matter a few years ago. She said that “he always fought for my family-based rights.”

“I have faith in him,” said Ronco. “People always go through things and we have to overcome our obstacles and continue to move  forward and move on from our mistakes, so they don’t happen again. Things happen for a reason and there’s always two sides of the story. We don’t know the full story of what really happened.”

From previous story:

Bradley for months after his conviction, despite the —minus Councilman Dennis Power—and theapproving resolutions asking him to step down. Some  also called for his resignation. Bradley finally stepped down on Feb. 18, the day after a meeting of the White Plains Board of Ethics.

Bradley said he didn't step down earlier because he thought his legal troubles would have already ended, and resigning when he did would allow the city to conduct a special election, as well as allow the new mayor to tackle the budget process.

Bradley was subject of an for allegedly showing favoritism to his former landlord. Shortly after the resignation—the of Bradley, citing lack of jurisdiction since he was no longer a city official. The ethics board maintains that the city’s charter binds it from releasing documents relating to the investigation. Freedom of Information Law requests to release the documents have been denied, according to The Journal News.