Judge Revokes Bail In Sheepshead Shooting Over Facebook Post

A Brooklyn judge revoked the bail today of a suspect arrested in a shooting last July on Avenue X in Sheepshead Bay because of concerns about a Facebook post.

Joseph Ackwood, 20, had been released on $25,000 bail following his August arrest in the shooting of a 16-year- old boy on Avenue X near Brown Street on July 25.

He walked into Brooklyn Supreme Court in plainclothes on Thursday and left in handcuffs after Assistant District Attorney Sasha Pemberton brought to the court’s attention a Facebook post of two rat emojis. They appeared on the page of a man the judge said was a potential witness.

“The court considers this a serious threat!” Justice John G. Ingram said as he revoked the earlier bail. “This is a lockdown situation.”

A choked-up Ackwood mumbled something before court officers escorted him out of the courtroom.

“I don’t want to hear from you!” Ingram responded.

Ackwood’s attorney, Paul Beyder, requested a formal hearing on the evidence regarding the Facebook post, saying there were no clear answers from the post itself.

Beyder then dropped out of the case and the court brought in attorney Howard Kirsch to represent Ackwood for the future. When asked for comment, Beyder refused to give a reason for leaving the case.

Ackwood is charged with assault, menacing, reckless endangerment and gun possession.

Police used surveillance footage and a photo of Ackwood to link him to the crime. Authorities say the footage shows Ackwood walking down the sidewalk with a gun in hand and then fleeing on a bicycle.

The victim, who has not been named, was hit once in his left leg and once in his right buttock. He was treated and released at Lutheran Medical Center.

There is to be a hearing for Ackwood next week. The date was not scheduled.

This post is a collaboration with Brooklyn News Service, a Brooklyn College Journalism Program Project.