Troubled Vietnam Vet Picked Up On Warrants

A troubled Shirley man wanted by both East Hampton Town and East Hampton Village police, as well as by Suffolk County police, was taken into custody at his home by detectives from East Hampton Village last week.

Charles Webb, 67, a Vietnam War veteran, had failed to appear in court after a deal had been reached between his attorney and the district attorney’s office over multiple driving without a license charges in East Hampton, as well as a charge of violating the terms of probation. He had been offered a deal of four months in jail before he disappeared.

He was wanted by the county on a cruelty to animals charge, when he allegedly tried to put down an ailing cat.

He was arraigned March 9 in front of East Hampton Town Justice Steven Tekulsky, who reviewed the narrative of preceding events.

Webb’s first encounter with East Hampton police was in 2009, Tekulsky said, “long before I was here,” with other arrests after that date. In 2016, he was before Justice Tekulsky. “Instead of sending you to jail, I put you on probation. It took you two months before you allegedly violated probation.” The report from the probation department alleged that Webb had, at different points, consumed alcohol, as well as drugs, and had failed to appear for numerous screenings.

Then, later in 2016, Webb was returned to court, and the four months of incarceration was put forth as an offer.

His attorney, Matt D’Amato of the Legal Aid society, explained why his client had failed to show up for court and probation dates following the offer. “He was in the hospital. He had a series of strokes,” said D’Amato. He said he was still trying to get Webb into Veteran’s Court. Veteran’s Court handles those who have fallen on hard times.

“I’m not sure Veteran’s Court will take in a defendant with a violation of probation,” Tekulsky said. “I’m always a supporter of Veteran’s and Mental Health Courts,” Tekulsky said, setting bail at $200.

“I appreciate that,” Webb said.

“You always say that, but your actions don’t show it,” Tekulsky said.

Webb eventually posted the $200 bail and was released, after Suffolk County authorities told the local police departments they would not come for Webb on their warrant.

t.e@indyeastend.com