By Tom Momberg
The Bayside couple accused of kidnapping and torturing their maid in February was in Queens Criminal Court for a conference with the district attorney’s office Wednesday, which court sources said resulted in the decision to take the case to the grand jury.
Devanand Lachman, charged with alleged kidnapping, criminal possession of a weapon and assault with a deadly weapon, remains in custody after failed attempts by his defense attorney to have bail granted. His pregnant wife, Ambar Lachman, who is being charged with kidnapping, posted bail after her arraignment. They will both be undergoing grand jury proceedings in the coming months.
Assistant District Attorney Llana Turko made the case in court in March that neither of the defendants was cooperating with authorities to help identify a third suspect in the crime.
The Lachmans allegedly held their maid against her will Feb. 13 after they accused her of stealing from their home, then proceeded to beat, burn and torture the victim, 54, along with an unknown third person, according to the criminal complaint filed by the DA.
The three suspects then allegedly drove the victim to her home in Port Washington, N.Y. in search of the stolen items, according to the complaint.
The Queens DA’s Office said it was working in conjunction with Nassau County in court proceedings, but Ambar Lachman is scheduled to appear in Nassau First District Court on April 23. Devanand Lachman remains in custody while grand jury preparations ensue, sources at the DA’s office said.
~Tom Momberg
