When the System Targets the Vulnerable
The Case
Marc Fishman is a disabled father whose life unraveled inside a system that was supposed to protect him.
What began as a court-approved supervised visitation with his autistic son in New Rochelle, New York, escalated into a wrongful arrest that triggered years of litigation, separation from his children, and a widening civil rights battle.
Fishman—who suffers from a traumatic brain injury and hearing loss—was arrested by officers from the New Rochelle Police Department following allegations made during a custody dispute. Evidence suggests that officers failed to conduct a proper investigation and ignored clear indicators of his medical condition and federally protected rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
What followed was not just a criminal case.
It became a system-wide breakdown.
Why This Case Matters
The Fishman case exposes systemic failures across multiple institutions:
- Law enforcement handling of domestic and custody-related incidents
- Prosecutorial conduct and evidence disclosure
- ADA compliance in courts and policing
- Barriers faced by disabled parents in family court
- Retaliation against individuals who challenge institutional misconduct
This is not just one case.
It is a blueprint of how systems can fail—and protect themselves while doing it.
What Riptide Is Investigating
Riptide Investigations is examining:
- The initial arrest and police response
- Allegations of withheld exculpatory evidence
- Patterns of misconduct within New Rochelle Police
- The role of prosecutors and court actors
- ADA violations in both criminal and family court
- The long-term impact on parental rights and access to children
Case Status
- Ongoing civil rights litigation
- Federal filings and complaints submitted
- Continued public advocacy by Fishman
- Growing national attention from legal and disability-rights communities
Explore the Case
- Case Timeline
- Evidence & Documents
- Key Issues
- People & Institutions
- Legal Proceedings
- Analysis & Findings
- Updates
Call to Action
Fishman has spent years fighting not just for himself—but for accountability.
This investigation will follow the evidence wherever it leads.
Latest Reports
Disability Advocates Condemn New York Court of Appeals and Judge Anthony Cannataro for Denying Disabled Father Access to Justice
The New York Court of Appeals dismissed Marc Fishman’s appeal regarding ADA violations during his seven-year litigation, claiming it lacked jurisdiction. Despite a federal judge’s order for accommodations, Westchester courts denied necessary support, highlighting systemic issues in New York’s justice system that prevent disabled litigants from obtaining fair treatment and redress. Advocates call for legislative…
The Disabilities You Don’t See — and the Systems That Still Don’t See Us
The article addresses the plight of individuals with invisible disabilities in America, highlighting systemic bias in courts and workplaces. Despite the ADA’s provisions, many face barriers due to outdated perceptions and bureaucratic inefficiencies, resulting in detrimental outcomes. Advocates emphasize the need for better enforcement and understanding of these disabilities.
Justice Denied: Why New York Must Answer for Marc Fishman
A disabled father, Marc Fishman, faces wrongful imprisonment in New York despite clear evidence of his innocence, including admission from the arresting officer, Officer Schlesinger, later identified as corrupt. The prosecution disregards ethical obligations and fails to provide necessary accommodations. Marc’s story underscores systemic injustices threatening all citizens’ rights.
New York’s Shame: The State Hunts Marc Fishman While Ignoring Real Justice
In New York, Marc Fishman, a disabled father, endures a legal nightmare due to false accusations and judicial misconduct, facing a 45-day jail sentence despite exculpatory evidence. His appeals are delayed amid a lack of gubernatorial intervention, highlighting systemic failures and the abuse of power within the judicial system. Fishman’s plight reflects broader issues of…
How Do You Jail the Disabled Dad While the System Walks Free?
Marc Fishman, a Bronx disability rights advocate, faces a 45-day jail sentence tied to a convoluted legal battle with Westchester authorities, including wrongful arrest during supervised visitation with his son. His case raises concerns over due process, ADA violations, and judicial accountability, drawing national attention amid calls for emergency intervention before imprisonment.
Disability Discrimination and Cover-Ups: Westchester DA Joyce Miller’s Assault on Justice
In Westchester County, District Attorney Joyce Miller’s push for a five-year order of protection against Marc Fishman ignores exculpatory evidence and discriminates against disabled parents. Fishman claims this institutional abuse has caused unnecessary separation from his children, prompting a federal lawsuit to challenge the misconduct and advocate for accountability.
Double Standard: Why a Cop Keeps His Pension While a Disabled Dad Loses His Children
The article discusses the stark disparity in the justice system of New Rochelle, New York, exemplified by Officer Lane Schlesinger, who, despite a history of misconduct, enjoys a full pension, while Marc Fishman, a disabled father wrongfully arrested, has faced years of separation from his children and continuous injustices. This highlights systemic failures and erosion…
The Evidence They Ignored: How Judge Maurice Williams Buried the Truth in Marc Fishman’s Case
Marc Fishman, exonerated by New York officials for child abuse allegations, faces potential jail time from Judge Maurice Williams despite exculpatory evidence being withheld. A supervised visit confirmed by a court-appointed supervisor supports Fishman’s innocence, highlighting issues in the judicial system that seem to silence evidence conflicting with prior rulings.
When Police Lie on Reports: What Happened to Marc Fishman Could Happen to You
Marc Fishman’s life was devastated after a police officer falsely reported a violation of a protective order during a supervised visit with his son. Despite having evidence and supervision, Fishman was arrested, leading to unjust legal repercussions and estrangement from his children. This case highlights the dangers of reliance on flawed police narratives.
Justice Denied in Westchester: The Cruel Campaign Against Marc Fishman
Westchester County Family Court faces criticism over Judge Michelle Schauer’s handling of Marc Fishman’s case, who has not seen his children in five years due to alleged judicial overreach and ignored evidence of parental alienation. Despite adhering to court requirements, Fishman is denied accommodations, highlighting systemic issues and raising urgent calls for reform.
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