HUDSON COUNTY — Bayonne native Kenny Britt, now a star wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans, was arrested a week ago and now is under more scrutiny after posting bail for a friend from Jersey City two days later.
The 21-year-old Britt, who was the first Rutgers University product to ever become a first-round NFL Draft selection in 2009, was first arrested in Glen Ridge, N.J. last Wednesday for allegedly having outstanding parking and motor vehicle tickets.
Then, two days later, Britt appeared in a Hudson County Superior Court room to post bail of approximately $165,000 for an apparent childhood friend who was already convicted twice on gun charges and has three outstanding indictments on a variety of other charges, according to Assistant Hudson County Prosecutor Timothy Moriarty.
The friend, Albert “Albee Al” Robinson of Jersey City, a rapper, was appearing in front of Hudson County Superior Court Judge Fred Theemling on charges of hindering the prosecution and possession of a firearm in connection with a murder in Jersey City in December.
Robinson had two prior convictions, both in 2007, for possession of a handgun and aggravated assault for pointing a handgun. According to Moriarty, the two convictions were for separate incidents, both in Jersey City. Robinson pleaded guilty to both charges, was sentenced to three years in prison, and served 18 months in a state penitentiary.
It is not a crime to post bail for a convicted felon, but the National Football League sometimes takes a hard stance on such incidents as part of their personal conduct code policy.
“Everyone is entitled to post bail for someone,” said Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio last week. “These were legitimate funds that were presented for the defendant. Regardless of what has happened in the past, [Robinson] is still innocent until proven guilty.”
But DeFazio questioned Britt’s judgment in jeopardizing his career for helping a two-time convicted felon.
“In our society, people are judged by the company they keep,” DeFazio said. “It’s clear that there is a long-standing relationship between the defendant and Mr. Britt. But these charges against the defendant are very serious, one being a homicide-related incident. You can easily see what the guy is all about. A victim was shot to death in Jersey City.”
Robinson is now free on bail.
Representatives from the Tennessee Titans did not immediately respond to questions regarding Britt’s legal involvement. Apparently, they knew of the arrest, but not aware that Britt had posted bail for a felon. The news seemed to catch Titans’ officials off-guard.
Britt’s agents did not return phone calls by press time.
For more on this incident, see this weekend’s Jersey City Reporter or click on this website Sunday, www.hudsonreporter.com, and scroll down to “Jersey City News.” – Jim Hague
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