The Nassau County
Police Department in New York has made an arrest
in association with the alleged gay-bashing incident in Sea
Cliff that involved former Top Chef reality
series contestant Josie Smith-Malave.
Matthew W. Walli,
20, of Oregon turned himself in to authorities early
Thursday and, after giving testimony about the incident on
Labor Day weekend, was arrested for second-degree
robbery, said police spokesman Det. Lt. Kevin
Smith.
"Basically, we had a name that we circulated around
the Sea Cliff area, and I guess [Walli] put one and
one together and decided we were looking for
him," said Smith. "He voluntarily came in, and
based on things that he said he was arrested."
Smith-Malave, an
out lesbian, says she and two other women were
victimized outside a bar called Partners on Labor Day
weekend by a group of about 12 people, including three
women, who spat on them, punched them, and made
antigay comments such as "bush muncher." During the
altercation Smith-Malave's mini camcorder, valued at
about $800, was stolen. The Advocate has an
exclusive interview with the former Top Chef
star about the incident here.
Second-degree
robbery is a class C felony, which could be bumped up
to a class B felony during the judicial proceedings if the
robbery is determined to be a bias-related crime.
Class B felonies carry a sentence of anywhere from
five to 25 years. Walli could also be charged with
aggravated harassment as more details emerge.
Smith said the
investigation is ongoing as the department continues to
canvass for names and that other individuals may still be
arrested. He encouraged people to contact the
department's crime stopper division if they
have any information about the incident: (800) 244-TIPS or
Crimestoppers@pdcn.org.
Smith-Malave's attorney, Yetta G. Kurland, said she
is pleased by the police department's quick
response. "I'm glad to see that the Nassau
County Police Department and the district attorney are
moving forward on this matter swiftly. It's the
first of what I hope to be many arrests,"
Kurland said. (Kerry Eleveld, The Advocate)
