Juror brings a secret weapon

A QUEENS WOMAN was picked to sit on a jury minutes after she was arrested for carrying a collapsible baton into a courthouse, the Daily News has learned.

The bizarre incident unfolded on Tuesday when a metal detector revealed that Dinorah Preyor, 30, was in possession of the baton on her way into Queens Criminal Court.

Preyor was charged with misdemeanor criminal possession of a weapon and issued a desk appearance ticket.

To the dismay of the court officers, Judge Richard Buchter, along with defense lawyers and prosecutors, agreed to allow Preyor to remain a prospective juror in a child sex assault case, officials said. Preyor was ultimately selected to the jury.

One court officer called the decision a “slap in the face.”

Dennis Quirk, president of the New York State Court Officers Association, had a similar reaction.

“It’s a disgrace,” Quirk said. “How can you take someone who was just arrested and think they’re going to be an impartial member of a jury?”

Lucian Chalfen, spokesman for the Office of Court Administration, defended Buchter.

“The judge was made aware during the jury selection process of the prospective juror’s arrest, and exercising his discretion, he, along with counsel from both the prosecution and defense, questioned the person,” Chalfen said.