People ex rel. Bleecker v Imperati
2026 NY Slip Op 01931 [247 AD3d 1250]
March 31, 2026
Appellate Division, Second Department
Published by New York State Law Reporting Bureau pursuant to Judiciary Law ยง 431.
As corrected through Wednesday, May 6, 2026
The People of the State of New York ex rel. Michelle E. Bleecker, on Behalf of Owen Ekpo, Petitioner,
v
Kirk Imperati, Respondent.
(March 31, 2026)
HEADNOTES
Habeas Corpus — Scope of Remedy — Terms for Immediate Release from Incarceration
APPEARANCES OF COUNSEL
Margaret M. Walker, Poughkeepsie, NY (Michelle E. Bleecker pro se of counsel), for petitioner.
Anthony P. Parisi, District Attorney, Poughkeepsie, NY (Kirsten A. Rappleyea of counsel), and Caroline E. Blackburn, County Attorney, Poughkeepsie, NY (Tracy J. Lindauer of counsel), for respondent.
Writ of habeas corpus in the nature of an application to release Owen Ekpo upon his own recognizance or, in the alternative, to set reasonable bail upon Dutchess County indictment Nos. 10/2026 and 70077/2026.
Adjudged that the writ is sustained, without costs or disbursements, and Owen Ekpo is released upon his own recognizance, on condition that, Owen Ekpo shall (1) surrender all passports, if any, he may have to the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County, or, if he does not possess a passport, he shall provide to the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County an affidavit or affirmation, in a form approved by the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County, in which he attests that he does not possess a passport, and shall not apply for any new or replacement passports; and (2) provide to the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County an affidavit or affirmation, in a form approved by the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County, in which he attests that if he leaves the jurisdiction he agrees to waive the right to oppose extradition from any foreign jurisdiction; and it is further,
Ordered that upon receipt of a copy of this decision, order and judgment together with proof that Owen Ekpo (1) has surrendered all passports, if any, he may have to the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County, or, if he does not possess a passport, has provided to the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County an affidavit or affirmation, in a form approved by the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County, in which he attests that he does not possess a passport, and shall not apply for any new or replacement passports; and (2) has provided to the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County an affidavit or affirmation, in a form approved by the Office of the District Attorney of Dutchess County, in which he attests that if he leaves the jurisdiction he agrees to waive the right to oppose extradition from any foreign jurisdiction, the Warden of the facility at which Owen Ekpo is incarcerated, or his or her agent, is directed to immediately release Owen Ekpo from incarceration. Connolly, J.P., Christopher, Warhit and Golia, JJ., concur.