| Author | Comment | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Keri2 |
Introducing the new DA |
Lead | |
|
Ok, how about what we think would be in the media, about Jack becoming DA? Magazines, tv news, newspapers...c'mon, all you closet journalists (tabloid and legit...
|
|||
Keri2 |
Re: Introducing the new DA | ||
|
Manhattan Register (ok, this will be a big, multi sectioned, serious newspaper, like the NY Times)
City Hall Page May 12, 2007 Rumors continue to circulate that Mayor Michael Bloomberg is talking with Independant Party operatives about changing his affiliation from Republican, to that political party. The Mayor's office is not commenting on the rumor, so far. COnsidering that the mayor is often at odds with Republican Party stances, it would not be surprising if he did shift alliances. Another rumor, that seems to have more substance to it, concerns the District Attorney's office. DA Arthur Branch has been seen with high level Republican party officials, and is said to be considering a run for the US Senate, next year. If true, Mr Branch will be the first to throw his hat in the ring. Pundits are taking this as a sign, that the Republican Party leaders are taking it for granted, that Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) will be the next president, and that the race for her then vacant US Senate seat from NY will be wide open. It is thought that Branch would recommend his second in command at Hogan Place, John J. McCoy, to take over as interum district attorney, until the 2010 elections. McCoy would be a good choice, and sure to be approved by the Mayor's office, and City Council. A 27 year veteran of the DA's office, McCoy is a graduate of the University of Chicago, and NYU Law School. After spending three years with the firm of Bowen and Browne, he joined the DA's office, and by the age of 29, was a Senior Assistant District Attorney, and shortly afterwards, head of the newly formed Sex Crimes Division of the DA's office. His career has taken him to head both the Corporate Crimes Division, and Major Crimes Division. He has been Executive Assistant District Attorney since 1994, and has prosecuted numerous organized crimes, as well as many white collar crimes, corporate crimes, and high profile homicides. DA Branch only will say, that he has met with "various people who have suggested I run for federal office, and we have explored differant possibilities." Mr McCoy did not return phone calls, regarding any possible shift in his duties. |
|||
Keri2 |
Re: Introducing the new DA | ||
|
NY Ledger May 14, 2007
City Hall Beat Will It Be The Real McCoy at Hogan Place? WEll, it looks as if its almost a sure thing, that Manhattan's favorite Southern son, will become the second out of stater to run for US Senate. If Arthur Branch does decide to run for Senate-which insiders at Hogan Place say he is seriously thinking of doing-that leaves his job open. Not for us, an impromptu election for DA. No, as Rudy did, when Adam Schiff decided he'd rather prosecute old Nazis for warcrimes (which, bless his heart, the former DA is still doing, bringing NY style justice to a lot of evil old birds who thought age and time would see them into a nice comfy retirement and grave), Mayor Mike will appoint an interum DA, to tide us over til the next island elections. And, who would that be? Probably, the Real McCoy himself, would be asked to take over the reins at Hogan Place. One problem though...Jack continued the restructering of the Executive Assistant DA's office, that his predecessor started. He, no more than Ben Stone before him, can hardly bear to tear himself away from the dusty stacks in the law library, or from the various courtrooms at 1 Chambers St. Is it vanity, at hearing himself yak? Well, as DA, there'll be lots of oppurtunity for Jack to hear himself speak...at fundraisers for other political candidates with suitable law enforcement backgrounds (cops and ADA's thinking of political office will love to have Jack at their $250 a plate potluck dinners!), at charity events (Jack loves the Police Athletic League..so long as they let him play a few innings or at least two quarters). And, since Jack loves the theater, there's the board of the Public Theater, which loves local politicians. As for perks of the office...well, the Knicks have been known to hand out courtside seats to VIPs. Anyone care to see Spike Lee and Jack McCoy sitting side by side? Jack loves rock music too...and he's been seen, catching late night sets by various local bands. Think the DA would rate a sure seat at the bar, and not have to settle for SRO by the back wall? The only thing is...Jack hates politicians. And, by and large, politicians hate him. He loves to prosecute them, for everything from election fraud of the slightest kind, to homicide of the worst kind. Jack has never managed to get the hang of political speech. A few years ago, when a tabloid tv show wanted to do a story about one of their own producers, whom Jack got convicted of murder, and wanted to interview Jack, he bluntly told them, "Go f**k yourselves. Stick it up your a**." The show ran the bleeped out tape of the short conversation on the tube that night, expecting that Jack would be regarded nationwide, as a Neanderthal in a lawyer's suit. Instead, he got the kudos, and the show got canceled. Jack, true to nature, took credit for "cleaning up the boob tube." His words, not ours. So far, Jack isn't talking. Boss Branch says, that he's close to a decision. Which means, he's made up his mind to run for the Senate. But, will he recommend Jack to take over his job? These two guys have spent as much time yelling at each other, as they have, agreeing with each other. Maybe the yelling has even won out. Jack isn't exactly Mr Conservative, although his 9 year estrangement from his daughter might make that a lie. He's pro death penalty, yes, but only in certain instances. He is open about being Pro Choice, he's said that the State Legislature should ok gay marriage, he even has said that certain drugs should be legalized. He's said, that he's smoked pot-and like our mayor-liked it, but, that he has always preferred booze. MAybe, in past years, a bit too much. These aren't views that have endeared him to Boss Branch. But, maybe Jack is getting a political nerve. He's reconciled with his daughter, Rebecca, and even has been seen around town with her, on the back of his new Harley. In fact, buying the Harley, after years of riding foreign bikes, could be a political move...after all, Harley Davidson makes the only American made motorcycle these days. So...are we in for a motorcycle riding, scotch swilling DA who's going to be marching with his current love in front of the Supreme Court carrying a Planned Parenthood sign? A DA who's going to pipe "Train in Vain" through the halls of Hogan Place? Is there going to be a dart board in the DA's office? Executive Board meetings held on a basketball court? |
|||
ayeshahaqqiqa |
Re: Introducing the new DA | ||
|
al Haqq (The Truth)
What Does a New DA Mean for Immigrants? Rumour has it that the current New York County District Attorney, Arthur Branch, will be resigning in order to run for higher political office. His choice for interim DA, which must be approved by Mayor Bloomberg, is John James McCoy, his Chief Executive. As we all know, there have been clashes between immigrants and police in this city, and there are ongoing tensions between our Muslim brotherhood and certain sections of the city. Will we be more likely to see justice and fair play from Mr. McCoy than we did from Mr. Branch? A look at Mr. McCoy's history reveals that he is not a native New Yorker, but is from the Midwestern state of Illinois. His father was a police officer, but this does not appear to have prejudiced him in favor of the constabulary. We have done research, and have found numerous cases where he has persecuted "bad cops" for their infractions. Mr. McCoy was raised a Roman Catholic, but has not been seen attending church services for a number of years. It is a matter of public record that he had an affair with one of his assistants, Diana Hawthorne. We know that many of our brothers and sisters will wish to know this, as it is haram for both Muslims and Christians, and proves a stumbling block for acceptance and trust for this fellow as the Chief Counsellor for Manhattan. But we do need to be pragmatic, since we are living in America, and look at his treatment of Muslims and Islam in general. We find that his motivation in cases involving Muslims is not to persecution based on prejudice but a drive to find the truth. He has taken pains to make sure newspapers get the facts involving crimes dealing with Muslims, and we can ask for no more. So we meet Mr. McCoy, District Attorney, with an expectation of fairness and, insh'allah (God Willing), fair treatment for all. "There is no problem that cannot be improved by effort, and no effort that is too paltry to be worth undertaking." ~Sam Waterston
|
|||
Keri2 |
Re: Introducing the new DA | ||
|
ARound the Apple...the Magazine For, and About, New Yorkers
May 21st, 2007 Political News With Manhattan DA Arthur Branch all but officially declaring his run for US Senate, the big question around City Hall, is who will fill his office for the next year and a half, until the next election? There is precedence for appointing a new DA, to fill the term of a resigned DA. Rudy Guiliani appointed NYU Law PRofessor, to take over the reins at Hogan Place, when Adam Schiff resigned. At that point, the rumor had been, that either Jack McCoy, or a US Attorney named Elliot Spitzer would be named to head up the DA's office, but McCoy was seen as too inexperianced at dealing with politicians, and Spitzer is rumored to have turned the offer down. Now, with Branch all but announcing his resignation, it appears that the frontrunner, is indeed, Jack McCoy, the Executive Assistant DA. McCoy has seemed to learn to deal with politicians, on the local, state, and national level, since his early days in his office on the 10th floor of Hogan Place. Although still known for his outspokeness, and temper, he seems to have grown calmer, no longer openly insulting both politicans and judges. His relations with the more legitimate press have also improved, and he has, in the past few years, instead of hiding in the background, openly appeared at Branch's many press conferances, even answering questions in an intelligent, and calm manner, although if he thinks a question innapropriate or the answer obvious, his answer has always been, shall we say, on the dry and sarcastic side. McCoy also will often hold impromptu press conferances of his own on the courthouse steps, and, as a few reporters have noted, always halfway down to the sidewalk, so that the tv cameras can get the viewer to see, that McCoy is indeed, in front of the courthouse. He's even joked with reporters, over the fact, that most of his assistants on big cases, are female, very attractive, and usually, no older than their early 30's. "I go for brains, you all know that," he said recently, in what seemed to be a tongue in cheek moment. Then, looking at the look his present assistant, Consuela Rubirosa, was giving him, "And what's she get in return? A smart guy with grey hair." On the face of it, McCoy would be the obvious choice to replace Branch. At 56, he is a 30 year veteran of the District Attorney's office, and was one of a group of young ADA's openly mentored by Adam Schiff during his 20 years as Manhattan's DA. His legal record is beyond sound-he has one of the highest conviction rates to this day, of any ADA in the city, let alone in Manhattan. He has even been known to go to bat for innocent people convicted, in Manhattan, or other courts, and has friendly relations with many criminal defense attornies (many of whom started out in Hogan Place, but went on to more lucrative private practices), local civil rights attornies (the late Vance Grody once called McCoy "a good old fashioned civil rights attorney...for the victems of crime"), and has good relations with DA's across the country. McCoy is well thought of, as an aggressive attorney, not just state wide, but across the country, and perhaps beyond. When Oxford was setting up an international law program, McCoy was asked to consider lecturing there, with an eye to making him a professor. On the other hand, McCoy's relations with politicians, point to a poor grasp of things political. He is often brash, outspoken to a fault, and bad tempered with politicos-he has often stated, that he is no politician, that he hates politicians, and that to run for office would be "akin to going in for masochism-and I hate pain." The press has also been on the recieving end of McCoy's harsh words as well, and not just the tabloids that he accuses of intentionally getting facts wrong, but even the more venerable NY papers have come under fire from him as well. He once asked Manhattan Journal's Les Powell, if he knew his editor had hired an idiot, and more than once, has just plain refused to talk to anyone from the NY Sentinal. Lately, though, McCoy's actions and words towards the press have been kinder. He no longer finds something to do in his office-or, as on one famous occasion, simply took off on his motorcycle, roaring past Schiff's press conferance-when he's been asked by the DA to appear at a press conferance. For the past few years, he's been at many of Arthur Branch's, at some points nearly daily, press meetings, and has even answered questions. He has started giving impromptu press conferances of his own, on the courthouse steps, and, tv cameramen have noticed, he is savvy enough to stand where the camera can get enough of the building in the same frame, to show the viewer that McCoy has paused on his way out of court, to talk to reporters. Before Hillary Clinton decided to run for office in NY, McCoy was approached by the Democratic party, to run for the Senate. The only problem is, that for the past few years, McCoy has been neither Democrat nor republican, but a member of the Working Families Party. The WFP, then asked him to run...and McCoy laughed at the thought, and sent everyone away. When Clinton decided to run, he told friends, "Well, that settles that. I'd never stand a chance against her." leading many to beleive, that he did indeed, seriously consider running. McCoy has, since becoming EADA, been a target for politicans and candidates eager to prove they are anti crime, and for lengthy sentences. He has refused to appear at any fundraisers, since Adam Schiff resigned, and gives only as an answer, "I should be apolitical, in my job." He never offers an explanation of why he not only went to Schiff's fundraisers, but also aggressively hawked tickets to them, using his name and office to contact big name business people and attornies in NYC. McCoy, it appears, doesn't feel it necessary to offer explanations, when it doesn't suit him to do so. There are also some doubts as to whether McCoy could handle the day in and day out job of being DA. Originally, the job of the EADA was to assign cases, promote and demote, hire and fire, even to order office equipment and try to wheedle bigger budgets out of City Hall for the DA's office. Benjamin Stone, McCoy's predecesor, and another Schiff protegee, began to restructure the EADA's office, so that he often tried cases himself, and delegated the more mundane matters of his office to others. McCoy continued that practice, until today, he spends one day a week, assigning cases to underlings, reviewing the work of a particularly stellar or inept ADA, and looking over budget reports from various departments. ADA's say that despite this, McCoy seems to know where every penney goes to, who is slacking off, who deserves promotion. While many younger ADA's are in awe of McCoy, most don't fear him. McCoy's habit of spending a few hours after work most Fridays in the bars around Hogan Place, where he often cultivates younger ADA's may have a lot to do with that. Although talk can lead to legal matters, McCoy usually steers conversations to basketball and baseball, and is said not to have forgiven Michael Jordan for retiring, or the Red Sox for finally winning the penant. McCoy may not be able to leave the courtroom. OVer the years, he's had offers from all over the country, to join firms, to teach, to write law books, and refused them all. He does write legal articles, but only for legal journals. He's said, that he works best as a prosecutor, that he likes the job, and that that is where he'll stay, til he decides to retire. Many do not see him as capable of holding down a job, where he can't go into a courtroom, where he can't have the instant gratification of hearing the words,"We find the defandant guilty." McCoy may simply be someone so well acclimated to where he is now, in office 1017, that he would be lost in the office across the hall. He may be so well suited to being a prosecutor, that as a politician, he would face professional failure for the first time in his life, and, the people of Manhattan cannot be subjected to that. |
|||
ayeshahaqqiqa |
Re: Introducing the new DA | ||
|
Penny Saver-Your Neighborhood Swap-n-Sell Sheet for the West Side of Manhattan
FREE TO GOOD HOME-One slightly tacky greenish-brown coat with blue watch cap inside front pocket. Changing jobs, and told I must polish up my image. Call Jack at 555-3322. "There is no problem that cannot be improved by effort, and no effort that is too paltry to be worth undertaking." ~Sam Waterston
|
|||
Keri2 |
Re: Introducing the new DA | ||
|
That is so funny!
|
|||
Keri2 |
Re: Introducing the new DA | ||
|
New York Sentinal
Sunday, June 24, 2007 SEction A Front Page Branch Makes It Official; DA to Run for Senate McCoy in as new DA? Yesterday afternoon, Manhattan District Attorney made it official. He is throwing his hat in the ring, running for the Republican nomination for US Senate from New York. Branch is hoping to win the seat that Senator Hilary Clinton may very well be leaving vacant. The Republican party obviously seems to beleive that Clinton will win the Democratic nod for president, and then, the presidential election itself. Branch made his announcement, at The Tavern on the Green, not far from his Central Park West home in Manhatten. At his side, was wife Lillian, daughter Maggie Beckley, son Arthur Jr, and grandchildren, Mark Beckley, Antoniette, Arthur 3rd, and Catherine Branch. Branch, who ran for DA on a tough on crime platform, said his senate campaign would follow along similar lines. "I promise, to be tough for New York State, whether in New York County, St Lawrence County, or Cattaragus County. I promise to be tough on issues that affect Rochester, as well as issues that affect Massena. New York City, is not the only part of this great state, that will get attention from my office." Branch cited the loss of recent college graduates as well as established workers to other states. "This brain and labor drain has to stop. Students from other states come here, to NYU, to RIT, to UB, but they don't take jobs here. Those jobs don't exist, or, if they do, they pay so poorly, that new grads can't hope to pay off college loans, and have a high standard of living. So, we loose them, to Nevada, or Florida, or the Carolinas. You talk to students going to the University of Buffalo, from out of state. They love that area-they fall in love with Niagara Falls, with Buffalo, they even find out, that all that talk of snow, is just that-a lot of talk. They want to stay there after graduation, work, and raise a family. But, between poor pay, and high taxes, they can't afford to. So, we train them, and loose them." While Branch stopped short of promising a drive to lower taxes in New York State, he did say, that high taxes is one of the reasons the state is in such dire straits. "Corporations cannot afford to do business here. People can't afford to buy houses here. We need to attract more businesses, give people more chances at better jobs, higher paying jobs, whether that worker is a biochemist here at Sloan Kettering, or a factory worker at Dupont in Tonawanda." He also touched on corporate mismanagement and corruption. "We need to hold corporations accountable, as accountable as they hold their employees. I intend to introduce suitable legislations which would addresss those concerns. Branch did not take questions, after his announcement, but it is thought he would also call for sweeping Industrial Developement Associations (IDA) reform, mandating that companies recieveing IDA monies and tax breaks, hold to promises to hire locally and expand over the length of the grants. In the past, he has lobbied for such changes, at the state level. Also present at the reception, was the man tipped to take over as Manhatten DA, Jack McCoy. Currently the Executive Assistant District Attorney, McCoy, 56, is Branch's often political opposite. Where Branch has been a registered Republican, since the age of 21, McCoy for years, was a Democrat, and in the past few years, has changed his affiliation to Working Families PArty. Both men openly attend fundraisers for their respective political parties. McCoy is regarded as much more liberal, both politically and judiciously, than Branch. Historically McCoy's views tend to reflect those of legendary liberal Justice William O Brennan, whereas Branch's views are closer to those of the current Justice John Roberts. Branch's career has followed a differant path than McCoy's, as well. After graduating from Vanderbilt, Branch enlisted in the Army, and served two tours in Viet Nam, both times as an Army prosecutor. He did see his share of action, though, and was slightly wounded in the side on a night patrol he was commanding as a 1st leuitenant. After leaving the Army, Branch, newly married to his college sweetheart, Lillian Cutter, accepted a position with Fox, Thomas, and Riggs, in Manhatten. Within 6 years, he was a full partner. For nearly 34 years, Branch handled mostly corporate real estate deals, as well as lucrative overseas deals, often traveling to China. He and his wife have also traveled extensively in china, often as guests of the government. It was quietly announced, that Branch, some years ago, perhaps in anticipation of a political career, paid his firm the equivalent of what those trips would have cost, had he traveled on Fox, Thomas, and Riggs checkbook. Branch may also want to avoid any possibility of a conflict of interest, should he be elected to the Senate, in case he has occasion to work on overseas trade deals with China. Branch ran for DA, with no recent experiance in a criminal court, saying, that his predecesor, Nora Lewin, had been appointed DA, on the basis of her work on legal ethics, not the courtroom, and had done a "bang up job." Lewin had decided not to run, but to opt for semi retirement, teaching at NYU on a part time basis. Branch's opponent, Judge Ron Kirtle, had said that the DA's office "needed cleaning." Branch said, that the DA's office didn't need cleaning, just a "good dusting." Voters agreed, for they elected him twice, by large margins, both times. But, the reason for those large margins at the polls,may lie with the man who is Branch's second in command at the DA's office, Jack McCoy. The two men could not be any differant. Branch, at 6'6", is still in his mid 60's, built like the former football player he was in college, and even walks like one. McCoy, in his mid 50's, is just over 6', and has played basketball, since his teens. Where Branch can often be seen at black tie dinners, McCoy often works in jeans, and often spends an hour at bars in Hell's Kitchen. Branch's palate runs to caviar, McCoy loves take out food. Branch hires a car and driver for non offical trips, where McCoy rides a motorcycle, takes the subway, and says, that if he ever did own a car, it'd be 63 red corvette convertible. Branch has always been close to his children, McCoy recently reconciled with his only child, a daughter, after 9 years. JAck McCoy, like Branch, is from out of town. Born in Chicago, his father was a policeman for over 30 years, his mother a homemaker. He attended St Ignatious Preparatory on a scholarship, graduating early at age 16. He began college at the University of Chicago, studying prelaw, while working oddjobs on the side to help pay his tuition. A fellow student from New York City, convinced him to visit one summer, so McCoy, on a newly purchased, but very old motorcycle, rode to New York. Within days, he was applying to NYU law school, after falling for a young actress who was waitressing in a bistro near his friend's apartment. His parents weren't happy, but were pacified by the fact that NYU was regarded as a better law school than Chicago. McCoy didn't tell them about the actress/waitress. McCoy began actively protesting against the VietNam War, and said that if he was drafted, he was going to apply for CO status. He applied for student deferrals, got them, perhaps because his younger brother had tried to enlist, and was declared medically unfit because of a heart murmur. Friends said he was disappoitned, that he never got the chance to apply for CO status. Graduating 8th in his class, McCoy began the rounds of Manhattan law firms, but found a misdemeanor police record, two charges of breaking the peace from war protests, were against him. A third charge was dismissed at arraignment, when the judge took one look at McCoy. The student had been hit with a police baton, and hadn't recieved medical treatment as of the next afternoon. With a broken nose, and a gash on his chin, McCoy was still able to act as his 5 fellow arresstees lawyer, and got the charges dismissed against them. When he pushed for the police to be arrested for assault, he was told he was pushing it. McCoy responded, that it was about time someone pushed back, the judge said he'd consider it, and let "counsel know, by the time his nose heals." the judge decided not to have the officer who'd broken McCoy's nose charged, but told McCoy to go ahead and file a civil suit. McCoy did, again acted as his own lawyer, and recieved the cost of his doctor's bill as an award. Boasting that he'd bested the NYPD, McCoy was hired by Timmons and Smith, and began winning both criminal and civil cases. The number of obviously guilty clients disturbed him, as well as how easily it was for him to win these cases. McCoy had met Adam Schiff, then the EADA of NY County, and admired him. A former civil rights attorney turned prosecutor, Schiff also was on the lookout for talented attornies who might make the DA's office a career. He hired McCoy, stressing that the city would never offer the kind of money Timmons and Smith were paying. McCoy accepted, and soon found himself openly one of Schiff's many protegees at Hogan Place. Like Schiff, McCoy demonstrated a strong civil rights streak, was strong on constitutiuonal law, and not afraid to push that law. Schiff encouraged McCoy's impudence, teased him about his beard and longish hair, and introduced him to William Kunstler-who promptly tried to hire McCoy away from the DA's office. McCoy nearly accepted, but in the end, decided to stay with Schiff. Some years, later, McCoy would face Kunstler in court; Kunstler lost, and again offered McCoy a job. McCoy turned it down more quickly than the first offer. Because of his civil suit against the cop who'd hit him, Mccoy was not a favorite ADA with the NYPD. Oh, man, I'm too tired to go on...tomorrow! |
|||
Keri2 |
Re: Introducing the new DA | ||
|
Word spread that this was the legal student who had successfully sued a fellow officer for the princely sum of $467.98, and that he was not to be trusted.
Added to this, was McCoy's habit, of taking over police questioning of suspects. Unlike other ADA's, he'd bring another chair into the interrogation rooms, and proceed to hammer suspects-and thier lawyers-with well placed questions. When he began getting confessions, that held up in court, the tension between McCoy and the PBA eased. Nowadays, McCoy is known as a cop's lawyer, even though he never backs down from disagreeing with anyone from a street cop to the cheif of detectives, on how a case should be handled. McCoy never misses the promotion or retirement of police officers he's worked with, even on one case. When he was promoted to senior ADA, and then to EADA, a great number of police descended on his favorite bar in Hell's Kitchen, to toast him. McCoy was leery of Branch's election, even though the two men had met years before, and had worked on state bar association matters together. At one point, McCoy even edited an article for the state bar journal, that Branch wrote. McCoy only shrugged, and said, that he and Branch would have to learn to work together, despite their differing legal philosophies and political opinions. Others who worked with both, were not so sanguine. Many predicted a tense working relationship between the easy going Branch, and the tense, hyperactive McCoy would develope, especially since neither man has a reputation for letting bygones be bygones. There have been a number of serious conflicts between McCoy and Branch, especially concerning staff firings or lack of promotions, and over Branch's habit of letting the US Attorney's office take over many high profile cases. Branch cites the amount of tax dollars needed to sustain a lenghty investigation and trial, and rightly has pointed out, taht the federal government, in many cases, has the financial and legal resources to pursue such cases. McCoy, who often is like a dog with a bone it won't let go of, often resents what he views as the feds, poaching his most high profile cases. Where Branch has been content to work behind the scenes, both in private practice, and as a DA, McCoy has been more hands on, to the point of doing much of his own legal research, which others would leave to less senior lawyers, or paralegals. His critics say McCoy is more than eager to get his name and face in the papers, yet his supporters point to the fact that McCoy doesn't exactly love talking to reporters, and will even pointedly ignore them. Most of the cases that have put Branch's name in national news, have actually been researched, prosecuted, and won, by Jack McCoy. If not for McCoy's high conviction rates, Branch very likely would not have been elected by such a wide margin two years ago. Many thought that McCoy would even resign in protest over loosing a few cases to the US Attorneys' office, where, oddly, one of his own former protegees, Abbie Carmichael now works. McCoy also came close to resigning, when another protegee, Serena Southerlyn, was fired by Branch. Southerlyn, now in private practice, is openly gay, and many claim that is the reason she was fired. She has not commented on exactly why Branch fired her, but Branch said it was because she made "a better defense attorney than a prosecutor." McCoy differed in his opinion, and felt that Branch had fired Southerlyn behind his back, and even more, had gone over McCoy's head to do so. It has traditionally been the EADA's job to deal with firings, and its said, that McCoy doesn't like anyone, even the mayor, stepping into his job, just on principal. Still, the two have made an effective team. Branch often peppers his press conferances and speeches with folk stories and sayings, playing on his Southern upbringing, even though he's been in New York City most of his adult life. McCoy, more brash to the point of earthiness, is the kind of ADA cops share stories with, and that reporters know is more likely to give exclusives over a beer, than on the courthouse steps. Yet, the two, even when not agreeing on method, have produced an impressive record of convictions. Privately, McCoy is said to relish the challenge of becoming DA, but views it as being more of a bureaucrat and politician, than attorney. He is said to want an assurance from City Hall, that if he takes the job, and decides not to run for DA in the next election, he can take back his job as EADA. He also is said to want the right to hand pick his successor as EADA, from within the ranks of Hogan Place, with no interferance from City Hall. McCoy will, if he accepts the post as DA, also come with ready made past scandals. In the past, he's rarely had male assistants, and its been noted that all his female assistants, were attractive and young. He has acknowledged affairs with a few of them, but always pointed out, that he was married to one-and divorced some 10 years later, and that all the affairs were consensual. He has never shied away from admissions of these affairs, but rarely discusses them, even while conducting them. In fact, many didn't even know he was dating his future wife, until tehy began dating openly, and revealed they'd been seeing each other outside the office, for two months. Friends claim that McCoy is a private man, and that his wife was of the same temperment. Neither thought the affair was anyone else's business, until they decided to become more deeply involved. McCoy seems to have taken that path, in most of his other office affairs, and been agreed with, by the woman. McCoy hasn't, however, become involved with a coworker, since the death of Claire Kincaid, a brilliant ADA who had worked with his predecessor, Ben Stone. For some time, it was a joke around Hogan Place, whether or not the two were dating, and shortly before Kincaid's death, it was apparent that the two not only were dating, but semi living together. Kincaid shared McCoy's love of motorcycles, and even got her licence. He liked her quick wit, and was often heard laughing at something she'd joked about. It seemed that the two were headed for marriage, when Kincaid was killed by a drunk driver. The tragedy was almost doubled, as Detective Lennie Briscoe, a long time friend of McCoy's, was a passenger in Kincaid's car at the time, and was also injured. Since then, however, despite rumors, McCoy has dated outside of Hogan Place. He married again, and divorced again, and smirked at rumors he was involved with his assistants, especially Serena Southerlyn. The two often spend time together outside of work-Southerlyn has joked that her mission in life is to get Jack McCoy to admit he likes at least one piece of modern art. McCoy says, he goes along on MOMA tours with Southerlyn, so he can scoff at the paintings. McCoy's relations with his daughter, also may cause him trouble. Estranged since shortly after Claire Kincaid's death, Rebecca McCoy attended college at Bowdoin, in Maine, and lived there, until recently. Neither will say what caused thier estrangement, or, why they seem to have reconciled. Neither will anyone else comment on it. Rebecca has moved back to New York, and has an apartment in Brooklyn, where her father is often seen visiting. She is working for Legal Aid, with which her father doesn't exactly have cordial relations-until the rare occasions when he feels he has an innocent defendant. Then, Legal Aid attorneys are surprised at the lengths McCoy will go to, to get the person representation that is excellant, even calling in friends from high profile private practices, to act as pro bono defense attornies. McCoy probably knows, that his enemies-and Branch's-will question the wisdom of appointing as DA, a man who has affairs with co-workers, and who didn't talk to his only child for almost a decade, who is often cranky, vain, arguementative, and who doesn't forgive easily. That McCoy can also be as polite and correct as any courtier, witty, humourous, and helpful, his supporters-and Branch's-will have to try to convince the public of. |
|||
Keri2 |
Re: Introducing the new DA | ||
|
Manhattan Weekly
Sunday, July 1, 2007 10 Sexiest Men in Manhattan...Who Ride Number 7, is the Executive Assistant District Attorney, said by many to soon be our new District Attorney, John J. McCoy, Esquire. Known to one an all, as Jack. "I've ridden motorcycles, since I was about 14, and a neighbor who was a little older than me, taught me how to ride his old Indian. I wish I had that bike now-I'd be able to retire! I almost got my hands on an Indian frame once, but some guy from Cleveland beat me out on it. I'd love to get ahold of one, and restore it. I've owned a lot of differant makes of bikes. My first, was a Honda, that broke down every 5 miles. I became a pretty good bike mechanic because of that bike. I rode it to NY from Chicago, where I grew up, and figured it'd take me the better part of a day to make the trip. It took me three days, because the damn thing broke down so much. I figured I could put myself through law school, as a mechanic-and for a little bit, I did. I fixed my Torts professor's bike. I think thats why I did so well in his class. I stuck with Suzukis for a while, then I went to BMW. That bike was too big, though, for the city. I finally got this one, a Harley 1200L Sportster, a few months ago. Its the right size for city riding, and its great for long distance rides, too. I've been all over Long Island in it, to DC with some buddies, and to Maine. Next year, I'd like to get a bunch together, and go to the Keys. As for riding...I go fast once I'm out of the city. I admit it, and now I suppose once I get out of NY the troopers are going to be looking out for me. A friend of mine told me once, that there was a speeding ticket with my name on it, the cops were just waiting to fill in the time and date on it. I've never thought of it as sexy. Well, not much. Women look at you more, maybe, about as much as if you had a nice convertible-that is, if its a nice bike. A beat up bike, isn't going to get you any looks, anymore than a beat up car will. As for wearing leathers, most of the year, you have to. Riding a bike gets chilly fast. Is wearing leather sexy? Not the kind real bike riders wear. Its always a little big and baggy-so you can wear jeans, longjohns, and sweaters underneath. Not skin tight, like you see on tv. When you see someone wearing that, you have to laugh at them. You know, hey, they look good, but they're freezing thier butts off. I've had these leathers about 20 years, I think. They're very nicely broken in. When its warm spring or fall weather, I wear an old Burburry coat I have. Thats pretty beat up, too, and everyone tells me to get a new one. In summer, I wear a tshirt. You can't wear shorts, though, or your legs will get burned on the bike. What really makes me laugh, is when I see some woman watching me, as I pull into a parking lot. I don't know what she's expecting-maybe some kind of Hells' Angel or something. And then, I pull off my helmet, and her face when she gets a load of my grey hair-no one expects someone with grey hair to be riding. Like I'm some badboy gangmember. Makes me laugh! I've had a few accidents. None were my fault-really. Once, a bee flew up my sleeve, and I hate bugs of any kind. So, I freaked, and ended up laying it down on the shoulder. I dented up the gas tank, and got stung, but that was it. Another time, some idiot forced me off the road. I ended up breaking my leg. I laid in the ditch for about two hours, thank God it wasn't longer. Broken legs hurt. I got the idiot, though. I got his plate, and got him arressted. He got his licence taken away, it wasn't his first accident, and he had a lot of DWI's behind him. He was probably drunk this time, too, but they could't prove it. A few years ago, they got him for another DWI. No one got hurt, but I called and said I'd come up and talk to the judge at sentencing. This time, they finally put him in jail. Being EADA has its perks. I don't like cars in Manhattan. I like the mayor's idea, about taxing cars that enter Manhatten. You ride a bike, its so much easier to get around. To find parking. I used to ride it right up on the sidewalk, after the cops got to know me. Ok, so I was breaking the law, but I never missed a courtdate, and I got into a lot of precincts to get reports, interview people, all that, and not make anyone wait. I like to compare notes with the motorcycle cops. Just like a detective I knew, used to go to the stables, and talk to the horseback division cops, about horses, when there was a big race coming up. We keep each other up to date on whats coming out, and we get a few poker runs going for charities, every summer. There's been a few jokes, though, pulled on me, mostly by cops. I've come out of a precinct, to find those kids' tassles hanging from my handlebars. I've had to chase hookers away off the bike. Or, once, they clipped cards to my spokes. I started it up, started going, and heard this godawful sound. I thought I had a problem, stopped, got off, was looking at the engine, then heard someone laughing. Saw the cards, and well, the next day, I locked all the men's rooms doors, in that house. Paybacks, man. They can be pretty cool. They left me alone after that. You don't mess with a man's bike or his restroom. I've given every DA I've worked for, rides on my bikes. Adam Schiff said no way, was he getting on what he called the donor cycle. I got him on it, and he loved it. Nora Lewin laughed her head off, she wanted a ride right away. Arthur Branch, he won't get on it. I don't know why. Chicken! I dare him to, right here, in print. I dare you, Arthur, to ride through Manhatten with me on my bike. I promise, I won't go over 60, or pop any wheelies unless we're in a parking lot. |
|||
Keri2 |
Re: Introducing the new DA | ||
|
New York Sentinal
July 9, 2007 Its Official: McCoy To Take Over as DA Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced today, on the steps of 1 Hogan Place, that the interum district attorney of New York County, will be John J. McCoy. The move will free current district attorney, Arthur Branch, to concentrate on his bid for the US Senate. Praising Mr Branch's nearly two terms as DA, as "a time of increasing convictions, and compassion towards first time offenders," Mayor Bloomberg pointed out that many first time offenders were often sentenced to community work, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, or to boot camps. In follow ups, many did not become repeat offenders. The mayor also cited Mr Branch's committment to programs encouraging youths to stay in school, to help with job placements, housing, and assistance for college or trade schools, in helping to continually lower crime statistics amoung the youth of New York County. Mayor Bloomberg introduced Mr McCoy, as bringing "a wealth of legal knowledge and experiance in the court system with him to the post of district attorney," and noted the executive assistant district attorney's many years of service to the city. He also noted, that Mr McCoy, over the years, has also "given tirelessly of his time, to programs that focus on preventing child and domestic abuse," and has also volunteered for various community projects, such as community gardens, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, and cancer research, often by setting up charity motorcycle rides. "Mr McCoy, I am told, is often a guest in some of the headquarters of local motorcycle groups, and that he has a way of getting them to donate time and money to charity. I have also been told, he is an honorary member of one particular group, The Kingsmen." The Kingsmen, some years ago, were implicated, but never charged, with various extortion schemes. In recent years, however, they have become, in the words of a once rival gang, the Lords, "sedate, and interested in few things other than who won the Jets game last weekend." Mr McCoy graduated summa cum laude from New York University Law School, in 1972. After working for three years in a private law firm, he joined the district attorney's office, at the urging of then DA, Adam Schiff. Mr Schiff, who openly fostered the careers of promising ADA's, became a mentor to Mr McCoy. When Mr Schiff retired, Mr McCoy was the executive assistant district attorney. Mr McCoy, looking tannned and relaxed after a week long motorcycle trip, said that he looks forward to "the challenges of the office of district attorney, and I will do everything I can, to live up to the reputations of my predecessors." As to whether he will, himself run for district attorney in two years time, McCoy smiled, and said, "Lets tackle one thing at a time." McCoy, who has had an often uneasy relationship with politicians on local, state, and federal levels, was asked how he felt, now that he was, in effect, a politician himself, now. "I think I've gone over to the dark side," he quipped. "I think somewhere, I'm going to run into some huge guy wearing a black plastic helmet and face mask, who's going to tell me, "Jack, I am your father." He went on to say, "I am going to do all I can, to avoid becoming a politician. I suppose that means, that over the next 24 months, there will be some friction, but that we might find ways of working together all the same. I think we will." So far, much of the public has come out in favor of the appointment. One of the larger Latino newspapers in New York, Mundo de Nueva York, yesterday published an editorial, supporting McCoy. "Mr McCoy has always shown fairness to the Latino community, has helped many from being railroaded into jail. He has worked in our community, to help many out of the cycle of violence, both in the home and on the streets, as he has in many other ethnic communities in this city." El HAq, the Islamic daily, at first had qualms about appointing a twice divorced father who was estranged for years from his daughter, to the post of DA, but has since tempered its editorials. "Mr McCoy has given not only our attornies and judges a chance, but he has consistantly given our community a chance, when others wouldn't. He is a man who judges on individual and personal merit and achievements, with compassion for the foibles of one's personal life. Perhaps, knowing that he himself is flawed, he acknowledges that some can be flawed, but still try to live a good life, to do good for others, to bring justice to the world, without regard to faith, ethnicity, culture, color of skin, age, or gender." The Gay Press has said, that "Although he has said that he supports a change in laws regarding marriage, adoption, and workplace benefits for committed gays, McCoy still will use the current outdated laws to his advantage, as he has so well demonstrated in the past few years, arguing them as if he really beleives they should stay in place. Given his presence at many AIDS and Gay health fundraisers, even a few trips to Albany to lobby for changes in the aforementioned laws, we wonder, does Mr McCoy swing with the wind? Do we want yet another DA, another man in a position to affect change, who refuses to stick his straight neck out, to support us wholly?" So far, this is the only negative reaction in the press, regarding the appointment. McCoy, when asked about it, shrugged, and said, "Well, I know what I beleive, which is that bad laws need to be changed. The laws regarding marriage being between a man and woman, are bad, in my opinion, but they are still on the books. I am bound to defend those laws, but there's nothing saying I can't speak up like any citizen, and tell my legislator, I want those laws changed. Until they are changed, the Gay community is going to have to put up with my habit of prosecuting people who commit murders, arsons, frauds and other crimes, without giving a damn what they do in thier bedrooms at home." As if regretting his frank statement, McCoy bit his lip, and looked at the floor for a moment, then up again, giving a small shrug. The mayor looked as if he wished someone would ask what kind of bike McCoy rides, and Mr Branch looked quietly amused. If the reactions of the press in the room were anything to go by, the next few years will be rather interesting. |
|||
Keri2 |
Re: Introducing the new DA | ||
|
NY Ledger
July 10, 2007 Whats Not to Like? He rides a motorcycle around town, he wears jeans to work, he's got a sexy young blonde girlfriend, he likes his beer and scotch, he has this idea that one day, the Bulls will take it all, he listens to The Clash, he can do the crossword AND cryptogram in ink. He's got, as Granny used to say, a romantic past. And, he started his first day on his new job, by picking a fight with both the Gays, and the legislators in Albany who don't want them to marry. Can anyone remember any elected or appointed official in NY, who was willing to duke it out with both sides? Whats not to like, about Jack McCoy as DA? After 4 years of listening to Boss Branch and his fables and homilies, trying to figure out just what he was alluding to, it'll be a nice change, to have a DA who doesn't use metaphors, who gets in peoples' faces, and tells them whats what. According to him, that is. |
|||
Keri2 |
Re: Introducing the new DA | ||
|
The Ledger
November 1, 2007 Hmmmm...seems that all is not well at Hogan Place. It seems that Jack the DA has already called at least one quivering ADA to his new office on the tenth floor, for a chewing out that could be heard in the hall. Said ADA was nearly reduced to tears as she left the office, and was said to be visibly shaken. As one who's faced the often irrational rath of McCoy, its understandable. One wonders...is change for the better, at last, happening at the DA's office, or, is Jack proving himself the garden variety martinet we always thought he was? |
|||
Keri2 |
|||
|
Legal Eagles
Well, one department head down. Casey Novak, head prosecutor for the Special Victems Unit, was fired yesterday. And, word is, the new DA will do everything he can, to see that she looses her liscence. A few judges are said to be standing behind him in this. It seems that Ms Novak played a little too loose with the rules, even for McCoy's taste. As to who he'll appoint to replace her, its anyone's guess, but our money, is on Jim Steel. No word on how a certain ME, who's reported to be dating McCoy who worked closely with Ms Novak feels about Novak's firing... |
|||
Keri2 |
|||
|
NY Ledger
|
|||
Keri2 |
Whats on Your IPOD? | ||
|
This week's question from the roving nose of Manhattenite...What's on your IPOD?
We asked the question at Hogan Place.... DA Jack McCoy. Four Seasons, Nigel Kennedy Damn Right I Got the Blues, Buddy Guy Best of Carly Simon Best of Buckwheat Zydeco Ella Sings cole, Ella Fitzgerald Tony Bennet Unplugged The Essential Clash, The Clash The White album, The Beatles Yellow Submarine, The Beatles Abbey Road, The Beatles HAndel's Water Music/Music for the Royal Fireworks,Academy of St Martin in the Fields Requiem, Faure Overture for the New World, Dvorak Mud Will be Flung, Bette Midler Spamalot soundtrack, Original Cast Rent, Original Cast Candide, Original Cast Wicked, Original Cast Mornings on Horseback, by David McCollough Daily downloads of NPR's Morning Edition, the Diane Reem Show, Fresh Air, Weekly downloads of Car Talk, Wait, Wait, Don't Tell me, and, This American Life EADA Michael Cutter |
|||
Keri2 |
|||
|
Manhatten Today
Its semi official...the interum DA is going to run for the job he's been handling for the past few months. Next year, it seems that its going to be Jack McCoy against....who? McCoy isn't confirming or denying anything yet, just as he has been characteristically mum on whether he has been offered a position within the Obama administation. Insiders say the interum DA has been offered the post of Deputy Attorney General, meaning McCoy would be second in line behind whoever Obama appoints as AG. McCoy is said to be thinking it over...but now, those in the know at Hogan Place, say that a run for DA is almost a sure thing. |
|||
Keri2 |
|||
|
Ny Ledger
February 12 2009 McCoy Gets Schiff Endorsement Its official, Jack McCoy, the interum DA since Arthur Branch's ill fated run for state senator, will be running for DA this fall. He turned in his recquisite 10000 signitures of registered democrats, to state election officials late last month, and has been collecting endorsements since. Today, it was announced that he also has the endorsement of his old mentor, Adam Schiff, the former DA of Manhatten, who now divides his time between...well, wherever an advocate for the downtrodden is needed. Schiff, speaking on a phone from Lagos, Nigeria, said that his protegee, who once was nicknamed, Adam's Rib" would make an excellant DA. "Jack has the gumption, to get the job done. He isn't afraid of special interest groups." Asked whether McCoy's habit of alienating those same special interest groups will hurt him, Schiff testily replied, "In a sane world, it'd help him. Who knows, given that the public has finally come to its senses, maybe it will. It should. About time there was a DA who had a brain in his head, and a backbone to face down those special interest groups." |
|||
Keri2 |
|||
|
Screen crawl on wpix-tv NY....
|
|||