Syosset High Student Admonished at Arraignment

No bail hearing is pleasant, but the Syosset High School student arrested Thursday after being caught with controlled substances got an earful Friday morning in Hempstead.

Nassau County District Court Judge Gary F. Knobel, upon learning that 17-year-old John Chung is already facing two active charges, said he seriously considered remanding Chung for trial. In the end he set a $10,000 bond, $5,000 of which must be cash.

Along with his latest charge, criminal possession of controlled substances in the 5th degree, Chung faces a June 8 hearing concerning his Feb. 16 arrest for burglary on Birchwood Park Drive. There is also an open case in Suffolk County, although the specifics of that are unclear. He was arrested on Nov. 16, 2009 related to an incident that occurred the previous Aug. 28. 

Knobel spared little in admonishing Chung's behavior. "It's not just about coming to court," Knobel said of the bail procedure. "It's about what you're doing while you're out."

He later added, "You can't keep having alleged crimes. You can't make this [bail] process a joke."

Chung is being represented for trial by Rha & Kim LLP of Flushing, Queens, although an attorney unaffiliated with the firm handled the arraignment, entering a not guilty plea for the teen.

Syosset Patch called the firm for details on the Suffolk incident but was told the attorneys involved were in conference.

Chung was the first defendant who faced Judge Knobel after those charged were led in from holding facilities. He peaked over the glass partition to look for family members. His mother and another female emerged when relatives were allowed to move toward the front to hear the proceedings.

Chung's mother briefly conferred with the attorney outside the courtroom after bail was set, but refused a request from Syosset Patch to speak.

A Syosset High teacher walked into a restroom Thursday and noticed Chung, of 11 Lincrest St., holding what looked to be a Zip Lock-type bag. He was brought to an administrative office, and while emptying his pockets a glassine bag fell out containing 44 full pills and 22 partial pills believed to be Xanax.