25 Investigates

25 Investigates: Judge allows man with criminal record to go free despite multiple warrants

A North Shore man, who law enforcement sources say had 10 warrants from 3 different courthouses, is back in custody.

Troopers assigned to the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section arrested 29-year-old Jean Cypien on Tuesday at an apartment complex in Canton. He was immediately brought to the Melrose Police Station to be booked on charges related to a November 19th shots fired call, where a masked man shot at least 2 rounds at an occupied vehicle near the intersection of Mount Vernon Avenue and Mount Vernon Street. Nobody was hit or injured in the daytime shooting.

25 Investigates has learned that Cypien was previously arrested for the same warrants on December 6th. Canton Police conducted a “stake out” at the Canton Woods apartment before taking him into custody without incident. Officers immediately took Cypien to Stoughton District Court where he appeared before District Court, Judge Daniel J. Hourihan. As Melrose detectives were en route to the courthouse to pick Cypien up on their charges, Judge Hourihan released him on personal recognizance or without the requirement of posting bail.

Cypien is a convicted felon with a 13-page criminal record according to prosecutors. Three law enforcement sources told 25 Investigates some of his warrants were marked, “Do Not Release”

“This guy goes shoots up a neighborhood. And he’s cut loose. I mean, that’s pretty sickening” Melrose Police Chief Michael Lyle told 25 Investigates reporter Ted Daniel. “This is extraordinary to have someone let go on a person with a firearms charge like this.”

Canton Police Chief Kenneth Berkowitz also expressed concern to 25 Investigates in a statement. It reads, “At the time of Mr. Cypien’s release we were frustrated and surprised that a suspect facing numerous serious crimes would not have been held or required to post bail. I’m grateful none of the officers, marshals or agents who were involved in the arrests were injured.”

25 Investigates asked the Norfolk County DA’s office if any objections were made to Cypien’s release from Stoughton District Court. A spokesperson said the prosecutor was unable to provide input to the Judge because none of the charges are from Norfolk County. Cypien’s warrants were from Essex and Middlesex counties. A spokesperson for the Judiciary told 25 Investigates, “The judge declines to comment as it is a pending matter.”

Cypien was ordered held without bail following his most recent arrest. His lawyer said she was unable to comment on his previous release. In court, she argued that no weapon has been recovered in the Melrose shooting incident and there is no concrete evidence tying Cypien to the crime. She also told said Cypien tried to answer his warrants following his first arrest but was unable to due to covid concerns.