UPDATE:
For the second time, authorities in Allegheny County have had to search for a felony suspect who fled the state after District Judge Xander Orenstein ordered nonmonetary bail — a move decried by law enforcement that might have been the catalyst for the judge’s removal from arraignment hearings.
Judge Orenstein, elected in 2021, was barred earlier this week from hearing all arraignments, which are the first step in the court process and generally the first time a suspect is brought before a judge and bail is set.
Joe Asturi, a spokesman for the county court system, declined to say what prompted the move, but it came amid harsh criticism from the county sheriff’s office after a defendant released by Judge Orenstein failed to show in court.
Judge Orenstein could not be reached for comment.
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According to a criminal complaint obtained in Pittsburgh, Craddock was arrested after authorities said he led police on a high-speed chase that ended in Pittsburgh, and District Judge Xander Orenstein released Craddock on a non-monetary bond.
The Media has reported that during the pursuit, Craddock allegedly ran stop signs, collided with two police cars, and exceeded the speed limit in a 25 mph zone.
Police also discovered a gun that Craddock had thrown from the car during the pursuit.
Craddock filed Pennsylvania, made his way to Florida, and landed in Polk County, where he was arrested.
On Friday, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd blasted the judge who handled Craddock’s case in Pittsburgh.
Craddock was arrested in Florida on a warrant out of Pennsylvania for fleeing to elude, two counts of possession of a firearm, two counts of cannabis, escape, two counts of drug paraphernalia, two counts of driving while license suspended, 18 traffic, and criminal complaints. And two counts of assault, reckless endangerment, two counts of DUI, and evidence tampering, and he is now in Polk County Jail on no bond.
“Okay, Grady, what’s the big deal? He’s got a lot of arrest warrants. But do you know why?” Judd said. “Here’s why he was already out on bond. When he fled from two Pennsylvania State troopers endangered them, and assaulted them, he was locked up again.”
“And this is Judge Xander Ornstein, okay? This guy was hearing what we call in Florida, first appearance. Even though this guy is already out on bond for criminal charges and is facing more felonies. This goober smoocher let him go without posting a bond, did you hear what I said?” said Judd, holding a photo of Orenstein and Craddock.
“In fact, a chief judge there removed him from setting bonds after this. It’s like his third strike, so it’s not new. This guy still can hear criminal cases in Pittsburgh. Well, listen. You don’t have a qualified judge here, you have a nut with a black coat on. You need to think about that,” blasted Judd.