Police Chief Blasts Bail Reform After Child Rape Suspect Released

MANCHESTER, NH — The police chief of New Hampshire's largest city, a critic of bail reform approved in the state two years ago, is continuing to vocalize frustration over the light bail requirements being posted on suspects in Hillsborough County accused of felony charges — something, he said, sends the wrong message.

The latest case inflaming the emotion of the issue is a Queen City man accused in a child sexual assault case.

Russell Debreceni, 31, of Manchester was arrested recently on a single felony count of aggravated felonious sexual assault after a witness accused him of having sexual contact with a girl under 13.

During the course of the investigation, the girl was taken to the hospital and interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center. Debreceni was also accused in a court affidavit of admitting to the incident to witnesses.

After his arrest, Debreceni was held on preventative detention before being arraigned in court, according to Heather Hamel, a public information officer with the Manchester Police Department. She said the case against Debreceni remains active and ongoing — and police believe there is potential for charges to be upgraded.

On Tuesday, Debreceni was arraigned in Hillsborough County Superior Court North, the superior court for Amherst, Bedford, and other communities, and then, released on personal recognizance bail — a decision that stunned Chief Carlo Capano of Manchester.

"It is very concerning that the court would allow Mr. Debreceni to walk free rather than see him as a danger to the public," he said. "This is a horrific crime, yet Mr. Debreceni is out on bail with the potential to offend again. This is a perfect example of how the current bail reform system is failing our community. I’m disgusted by this turn of events."

Capano said investigators in his department work "tirelessly to take dangerous criminals off of our city streets" but when potential suspects get released back into the community, "it sends the wrong message."

Earlier this month, Capano pointed to another case — Jonathan McKnight of Manchester who was accused of robbery at a gas station on July 7. After identifying the suspect, police learned McKnight was out on bail — accused of robbing the same gas station four months before.

"At some point, we have to recognize that our current system is not working," he said. "We strive to keep our entire community safe and releasing individuals who commit violent crimes is doing the exact opposite."

Debreceni is due back in court on Sept. 16.

Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Manchester Police Department and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the removal request process for New Hampshire Patch police reports.

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