(TJV) A judge criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for pursuing harsh charges against two individuals who purchased fake COVID-19 vaccine cards, despite Bragg’s usual leniency towards more serious criminal cases, MY Post reported

State Supreme Court Justice Brendan T. Lantry dismissed felony charges against the nursing student (J.O.) and city Department of Environmental Protection employee (R.V.), deeming the case excessive.

The duo was part of a larger group accused of obtaining fake vaccination cards from a New Jersey stripper named Jasmine Clifford.

The judge pointed out that Bragg’s office selectively prosecuted only 16 individuals out of hundreds, emphasizing that the majority of the accused had pleaded guilty to misdemeanors. J.O. and R.V. sought to dismiss the charges, leading to opposition from the DA’s office, which irked the judge.

Justice Lantry highlighted the inconsistency in Bragg’s approach, noting that the DA’s office frequently moves to dismiss more severe charges long after the allotted period. This leniency applies to cases involving sexual assaults, drug sales, robbery, burglary, and other serious felony offenses.

City Council Minority Leader Joseph Borelli applauded the judge’s decision, criticizing Bragg for prosecuting individuals like a nursing student who acquired a fake card to maintain enrollment but ultimately received the vaccine. Borelli characterized Bragg as a “clown” for prioritizing such cases while neglecting more serious crimes.

Bragg has faced criticism since taking office in 2022 for his reluctance to seek prison time and downgrading felony charges in various cases, including armed robbery and drug offenses. The judge’s comments come in the midst of ongoing controversy surrounding Bragg’s office, particularly concerning the decision not to request bail for five migrant men accused of assaulting police officers in Times Square.