Man set bail for raping teenager, but likely to remain in jail because of his immigration status

A judge has set bail for the illegal immigrant accused of raping a 15-year-old girl in Albany, but he is unlikely to be released from prison as federal officials review his immigration status.

Sakir Akkan, 21, appeared in Albany City Criminal Court on Thursday with his attorney, George LaMarche, and a Turkish interpreter.

Akkan agreed to forgo a preliminary hearing and send the case to Albany District Court for a possible grand jury decision.

Judge John Reilly set bail at $25,000 cash, $50,000 surety or $75,000 partially secured.

LaMarche later said that he understood federal authorities were trying to detain him to review his immigration status.

“Even if he posted bail, he would not be released at this time because of the federal prison sentence,” he said.

LaMarche said he could not comment on the specifics of the case because it was only closed on Thursday.

Republicans have made the fact that Akkan is the youngest illegal immigrant to be charged with a crime an issue.

Paul Burgdorf, minority leader in the Albany County Legislature, was in court and subsequently commented on the case.

“I think what we are experiencing today is the result of an open border, a sanctuary city policy by the city of Albany and a complete breakdown of our bail laws in New York State,” he said.

Burgorf said Albany County is currently home to a thousand migrants.

Some people have criticized police for not issuing a press release about Akkan’s arrest. Police Chief Eric Hawkins said Wednesday that the department does not issue press releases about sexual assault arrests to spare victims further trauma.

Burgorf accused the city administration of downplaying the arrest.

“It simply does not fit with their narrative that violent, illegal aliens could pose a threat to the population,” he said.