NYC College Professor Threatens Post Reporter with Machete, Gets Off with Counseling in Plea Deal
Shellyne Rodriguez, a former Manhattan college professor, has avoided jail time and won't even have a criminal record if she makes it through as little as six months in therapy under the terms of her plea deal with Bronx prosecutors13. Rodriguez was charged with harassment and menacing for the caught-on-video May 23 assault on reporter Reuven Fenton12. She pleaded guilty to a count of menacing, a misdemeanor, and to a harassment violation1.
The Incident
On May 23, 2023, Rodriguez threatened to "chop" a Post reporter with a machete12. She was caught on video chasing the news crew while still wildly waving the weapon4. The incident led to her firing from her job as an arts professor at Hunter College14. She was also fired from her job at the School of Visual Arts4.
The Plea Deal
Rodriguez copped a wrist-slap plea deal in Bronx court on Monday1. She will dodge jail time and won't even have a criminal record if she makes it through as little as six months in therapy under the terms of her sweetheart deal with Bronx prosecutors13. As part of the plea deal, Rodriguez must complete 13 months of behavioral therapy35. She pleaded guilty to a count of menacing, a misdemeanor, and to a harassment violation1.
Reaction
Students at Cooper Union in the East Village told The Post last week that it was "scary" and "crazy" that Rodriguez had since been hired there14. One student at the East Village school said some on campus thought hiring Rodriguez was "kind of cool" and that the embattled professor was "a good artist"4.
Conclusion
Shellyne Rodriguez, a former Manhattan college professor, has avoided jail time and won't even have a criminal record if she makes it through as little as six months in therapy under the terms of her plea deal with Bronx prosecutors. Rodriguez was charged with harassment and menacing for the caught-on-video May 23 assault on reporter Reuven Fenton. The incident led to her firing from her job as an arts professor at Hunter College. Students at Cooper Union in the East Village expressed shock that Rodriguez had been hired there.
Comments ()