A retired NYPD officer who became a Hollywood film producer is pushing a California law that will stop sleazy websites from charging hundreds of dollars to remove embarrassing mug shots.
Bob DeBrino, a highly decorated ex-cop was arrested in Glendale, Calif., on suspicion of driving under the influences of methadone and Adderall, but the DUI charges were dropped when he showed the drugs were prescribed by doctors in preparation for surgery.
“This has been a nightmare,” DeBrino told me. “It’s about time to stand up to these con men who are ruining lives.”
Unlike New York, California and other states make arrest records and photos available to the public.
State Senator Jerry Hill has introduced legislation that would make for-profit dissemination of arrest information illegal.
“This practice amounts to extortion,” said Hill, D-San Mateo. “We’re all accountable for our behavior, but that doesn’t mean someone should make money by spreading your booking photo around the world — especially if you were never convicted of a crime.”