Three LAS clients who are currently detained at Rikers Island on minor offenses and especially vulnerable to COVID-19 by virtue of their age/or respective health conditions, according to THE CITY. While roughly 1,600 people have been released from Rikers Island and other City jails due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many continue to languish in jail fearful for their lives.

Melinda Morales – who is currently charged with shoplifting from Macy’s – is currently detained on a parole hold and a $1 bail. She contracted COVID-19 just a few weeks ago at Rikers Island. Richard Seaman, a 57-year-old veteran, has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, asthma and a tear in his aorta. He is currently incarcerated on a non-violent drug charge.

The Legal Aid Society is also pushing for the release of Omar Haythe, an ailing 43-year-old being detained at Riker’s Island over the theft of an e-bike.

“He’s in grave danger of serious illness or death if he contracts COVID-19 because of his underlying medical conditions,” said his parole attorney, Kirk Stadnika. “He’s in Rikers essentially for stealing a bike.”

The infection rate within carceral settings has skyrocketed beyond the point of control. As of April 27, 2020, almost 10 percent of people incarcerated in City jails confirmed with COVID-19 infections, a percentage 5.2 times higher than New York City, 6.6 times higher than New York State, and 32.5 times higher than the rest of the country.