The People, etc., ex rel. Michelle E. Bleecker, on behalf of Owen Ekpo, petitioner, v. Kirk Imperati, etc., respondent. (2026)

Argued—March 31, 2026 FRANCESCA E. CONNOLLY LINDA CHRISTOPHER BARRY E. WARHIT

DECISION, ORDER & JUDGMENT

Writ of habeas corpus in the nature of an application to release Owen Ekpo upon his own recognizance or, in the alternative, to set reasonable bail upon Dutchess County Indictment Nos. 10/2026 and 70077/2026.

ADJUDGED that the writ is sustained, without costs or disbursements, and Owen Ekpo is released upon his own recognizance, on condition that, Owen Ekpo shall (1) surrender all passports, if any, he may have to the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County, or, if he does not possess a passport, he shall provide to the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County an affidavit or affirmation, in a form approved by the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County, in which he attests that he does not possess a passport, and shall not apply for any new or replacement passports;  and (2) provide to the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County an affidavit or affirmation, in a form approved by the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County, in which he attests that if he leaves the jurisdiction he agrees to waive the right to oppose extradition from any foreign jurisdiction;  and it is further,

ORDERED that upon receipt of a copy of this decision, order and judgment together with proof that Owen Ekpo (1) has surrendered all passports, if any, he may have to the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County, or, if he does not possess a passport, has provided to the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County an affidavit or affirmation, in a form approved by the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County, in which he attests that he does not possess a passport, and shall not apply for any new or replacement passports;  and (2) has provided to the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County an affidavit or affirmation, in a form approved by the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County, in which he attests that if he leaves the jurisdiction he agrees to waive the right to oppose extradition from any foreign jurisdiction, the Warden of the facility at which Owen Ekpo is incarcerated, or his or her agent, is directed to immediately release Owen Ekpo from incarceration.

CONNOLLY, J.P., CHRISTOPHER, WARHIT and GOLIA, JJ., concur.

ENTER:

Darrell M. Joseph

Clerk of the Court