The Fishman Files
Accountability / Ada Accommodations / Alternative Dispute Resolution / Child Custody / Civil Rights / Clerks / Court Corruption / Court Reform / Disability Rights / Due Process Denied / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Father's Rights / Judges / Judicial / Judicial Disability / New York / New York Watch / The Corruption Series / The Fishman Files

No Order, No Appeal: The Quiet Corruption of Judge-Shopping in Westchester Family Court

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Marc Fishman, a disabled father, seeks a signed transfer order for his family court case after it was reassigned from Judge Burke to Judge Michelle Schauer without documentation. Despite multiple requests, the court has not provided clarity, raising concerns about judicial misconduct, ADA violations, and lack of due process for pro se litigants.

No Order, No Appeal: The Quiet Corruption of Judge-Shopping in Westchester Family Court Read More
Corruption / Court Corruption / Judges / Judicial Disability / New York / New York Watch / The Corruption Series / The Fishman Files

The Untouchable Robe: How Judge Susan Capeci’s Decisions Have Harmed Families, Sparked Outrage, and Escaped Accountability

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Judge Susan M. Capeci has faced repeated criticism for her purported bias in court decisions, especially in cases involving domestic violence and child custody. Her rulings have led to allegations of judicial misconduct, wrongful removal of children, and denial of due process for litigants, raising significant concerns about her impact on families and justice.

The Untouchable Robe: How Judge Susan Capeci’s Decisions Have Harmed Families, Sparked Outrage, and Escaped Accountability Read More
Court Corruption / Family Court Reform / New York / New York Watch / The Fishman Files

Axon, Body Cams, and the Truth They Don’t Want You to See

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

By Michael Phillips When police body cameras were first introduced, they were sold to the public as tools of transparency. A way to capture the truth. A mechanism to protect …

Axon, Body Cams, and the Truth They Don’t Want You to See Read More
Advocacy / Attorney General / Civil Rights / Corruption / Criminal / Fraud / Law Enforcement / New York / Politics / The Fishman Files

Why the NY Attorney General’s Office Failed to Act—Despite the Evidence

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In 2020, New York’s Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office aimed to increase police accountability. However, despite substantial evidence against Officer Lane Schlesinger, including multiple misconduct referrals, the Attorney General’s 2024 report inadequately addressed the issues, reflecting political caution and institutional protection over public justice and accountability.

Why the NY Attorney General’s Office Failed to Act—Despite the Evidence Read More
Advocacy / Child Custody / Civil Rights / Constitutional Law / Corruption / Court Reform / Criminal / Family Court / Fraud / New York / The Fishman Files

Omitted by Design: How NY’s Attorney General Whitewashed a Pattern Predator’s Trail

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

By Michael Phillips On May 24, 2024, New York Attorney General Letitia James released a long-awaited report declaring that former New Rochelle police officer Lane Schlesinger had engaged in pattern …

Omitted by Design: How NY’s Attorney General Whitewashed a Pattern Predator’s Trail Read More
Advocacy / Child Custody / Civil Rights / Corruption / Court Reform / Crime Violence / Criminal / Fraud / Judges / Judicial Disability / Law Enforcement / New York / The Fishman Files

Justice for the Powerful, Silence for the Abused: The Double Standard in Westchester’s Legal System

- by Michael Phillips - 1 Comment

Marc Fishman, a disabled father, faces ongoing separation from his four children due to a wrongful arrest by former officer Lane Schlesinger, who was later terminated for misconduct. Despite evidence proving Fishman’s innocence, Judge Capeci and District Attorney Cacace have taken no action, perpetuating systemic injustice against him.

Justice for the Powerful, Silence for the Abused: The Double Standard in Westchester’s Legal System Read More
Advocacy / Child Custody / Civil Rights / Corruption / Court Reform / Criminal / Family Court / Law Enforcement / New York / The Fishman Files

Is New Rochelle a Pattern Misconduct Hotspot?

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Investigations reveal a troubling pattern of misconduct within the New Rochelle Police Department, especially surrounding former officer Lane Schlesinger, who faced numerous complaints yet remained protected and retired with a pension. Similar issues appear widespread, raising concerns about systemic failures and a lack of accountability, demanding comprehensive oversight reform.

Is New Rochelle a Pattern Misconduct Hotspot? Read More
Advocacy / Civil Rights / Constitutional Rights / Corruption / Court Reform / Law Enforcement / New York / The Fishman Files

Internal Affairs Knew: The Paper Trail That Should’ve Ended Schlesinger’s Career

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Former New Rochelle police officer Lane Schlesinger faced numerous misconduct complaints, including dishonest behavior and policy violations, yet remained on the force until retirement without accountability. Internal reports detailed his dangerous conduct, notably a 2021 incident in a COVID ICU, highlighting systemic failures by oversight bodies to address his actions.

Internal Affairs Knew: The Paper Trail That Should’ve Ended Schlesinger’s Career Read More
Advocacy / Court Reform / Health Wellness / Law Enforcement / New York / The Fishman Files

“I Don’t Care”: The COVID Hospital Incident They Tried to Bury

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In August 2021, retired officer Lane Schlesinger violated COVID-19 protocols at North Shore Hospital, disregarding warnings and masks. Despite documented misconduct and referrals to the Attorney General’s office, no action was taken against him. Schlesinger’s case highlights systemic failures in law enforcement accountability, leading to unequal treatment under the law.

“I Don’t Care”: The COVID Hospital Incident They Tried to Bury Read More
Advocacy / Child Custody / Civil Rights / Constitutional Law / Corruption / Court Reform / Family Court / New York / The Fishman Files

The Protected Predator: How Lane Schlesinger Evaded Accountability for 15 Years

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In New Rochelle, former police officer Lane Schlesinger exemplifies systemic misconduct, ignoring regulations during a COVID-19 incident and facing no accountability for numerous violations. Instead of discipline, he retired with a generous pension while individuals like Marc Fishman endure unjust consequences. This case highlights a troubling culture within police departments favoring protection over integrity.

The Protected Predator: How Lane Schlesinger Evaded Accountability for 15 Years Read More