Judicial Friendship Can't Keep Alleged CVS Robber From Jail
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - William Abrons had a friend on the bench Wednesday when he appeared in Broward County bond court on charges including attempted murder linked to a robbery at a Lauderhill CVS store.The judge recognized him as the man who shined his shoes at the courthouse once a week, but that still didn't get Abrons out of jail.
When Judge John Hurley looked up, he recognized Abrons as the man who worked outside of the Broward County Courthouse, shining shoes. He seemed taken aback by the charges against the shoeshine man, and the fact they had a personal relationship.
"I think you're a great guy. I think you're a nice guy," he said from the bench, talking to Abrons over a TV monitor. "You always have been a kind person so I have nothing against you, only positive experiences with you, but if you want me to go get another judge, I'll do it."
Abrons said he was fine with Hurley remaining on the bench, and the judge continued to express sympathy for his plight.
"I know you've had a tough life, I know you've had tough things with your family, and I know you've had a tough road to go up 'til now."
Judge Hurley said he knows Abrons could not afford a lawyer, and said one would be appointed to help him.
Abrons may need that help.
He's charged with walking into a Lauderhill CVS store Monday night. Police said he approached the counter disguised with gauze on his face and arms, holding a bottle of hydrogen peroxide.
The clerk said he put the bottle down, pulled out a small shiny handgun, pointed it at her, and demanded money.
After fleeing with some rolls of coins and paper money, police said, he stopped at the cashier stand in the front of the store and repeated his demand for cash. This cashier backed away, and she claimed he pointed the gun at her head and dry-fired it before fleeing.
According to the arrest form, witnesses at the drug store saw the whole thing. Abrons was spotted in a nearby laundry after police saw a trail of money he dropped as he ran from the store. Cops found the gauze, the rolls of coins, and even the gun, which had been dumped into a washing machine.
The shoe-shine man was arrested, and Judge Hurley noted that he had made a complete confession, on videotape.
It was clear Judge Hurley was troubled by the shoe-shine man's story.
"It's unfortunate. Like I say, I've gotten to know you over the last year, and I know you've told me about the troubles you've had, and how you've come back and tried to make something of your life. I feel terrible that it's taken this turn," Judge Hurley said.
Even with a friend on the bench, that was too much for Judicial leniency.
"With a heavy heart, Mr. Abrons, I am going to order that you be held without bond on count 1, attempted murder, count 2, robbery with a firearm, and count 3, aggravated assault.You're going to be held without bond until further order of the court," he said.
Unknown at this point is what caused Abrons to allegedly turn from independent businessman to a felon that could put him in prison for decades.
