Catch and Release Judges: NYC Retiree Sent to Prison for Self-Defense While Career Criminal with 15 Arrests Walks Free

In a grotesque perversion of justice that exemplifies New York's "catch and release" nightmare, 67-year-old retiree Charles Foehner, with no prior criminal record, has been sentenced to 4 years in state prison for "criminal possession of a weapon" after defending himself from a violent career criminal with 15 prior arrests and a history of mental illness. Foehner had to sell his home to cover legal fees and will lose his Social Security payments while incarcerated, all while the system that repeatedly released his attacker bears no blame.

This case isn't just an outrage—it's a chilling warning: In leftist-run cities like NYC, law-abiding citizens are punished for self-defense, while repeat offenders are cycled back onto the streets to terrorize again.

The Incident: Defending Against a Career Criminal

On June 1, 2023, in Queens, NYC, Foehner was confronted by Cody Gonzalez, a 32-year-old homeless man with 15 prior arrests (including assault and weapon possession) and known mental health issues. Gonzalez allegedly charged at Foehner with a knife, prompting Foehner to draw his licensed firearm and shoot in self-defense.

• Gonzalez was killed, but Foehner was charged—not for murder, but for possessing a weapon (despite having a carry permit).

• Prosecutors argued Foehner "escalated" the situation; the jury convicted on the possession charge after a trial where self-defense was disallowed as a defense.

Foehner, a Korean War veteran and lifelong law-abiding citizen, now faces 4 years behind bars. His wife called it a "travesty," noting they contacted the DA and judge repeatedly—but to no avail.

Gonzalez's History: 15 Arrests, Released to Reoffend

The attacker, Cody Gonzalez, was no stranger to the system:

• 15 arrests, including assaults, weapons, and mental health-related incidents.

• Repeatedly released on low bail or own recognizance despite clear risks.

• History of violence and instability, yet judges kept letting him go—leading directly to this fatal confrontation.

This is the "catch and release" playbook: Dangerous individuals cycled through the system, only to escalate until innocent lives are shattered.

Judge and DA: Leniency for Criminals, Harshness for Victims

Judge Kenneth Holder presided over the trial, disallowing self-defense arguments and imposing the maximum sentence. Queens DA Melinda Katz prosecuted Foehner aggressively, ignoring his clean record and the threat he faced.

Critics argue this reflects NYC's leftist priorities: Defund police, decriminalize violence, punish self-reliance. Americans nationwide petitioned for leniency—but the system ignored them.

Broader 2026 Crisis: Self-Defense Criminalized

This joins a disturbing pattern where citizens defending themselves are jailed, while attackers with long rap sheets are released:

• Similar cases in Chicago, Portland, Connecticut—repeat offenders freed to kill, while defenders rot in prison.

• Leftist "reform" turns victims into criminals.

Stay updated on catch and release judges 2026, Charles Foehner NYC self-defense prison, Cody Gonzalez 15 arrests released, Queens DA Melinda Katz leniency, judicial failures self-defense, and leftist violence enablers for developments.

When self-defense is a crime, only criminals are safe. America must fight back.

Sources: Frontlines TPUSA video, New York Post, Daily Mail, Fox News, court records, and January 2026 reports.