Jack the Assaulter Takes the Cake

FIRST of all, the written rule is that you don’t mug women of any age, but Jack Rhodes, 44, is the worst of the worst for mugging a 101-year-old Rose Morat in New York in late April. Despite the mugging, Morat said she isn’t fearful.

Rhodes is a thug, and has been arrested on charges of robbery, grand larceny, burglary and assault. Oh yeah, he’s also accused of robbing an 85-year-old woman the same day he attacked Morat.

The New York thug got away with $33 and Morat’s house keys. She suffered a fractured cheekbone and spent time in a local hospital. Morat said she’s feeling better, and also indicated if she’d been a little younger she would have gone after Rhodes.

Thank goodness she didn’t go after him, but the thug was captured on a surveillance tape. Here is what’s on the surveillance tape. Rhodes is looming over Morat while holding on to a bicycle. He pretends to help her through the vestibule at her apartment building. The thug turns to grab Morat’s head and delivers three hard punches to her face and swipes her purse. Morat is dazed and tries to reach for her purse when the mugger hits her again, pushing her and her walker to the ground.

New Yorkers are outraged by this senseless act of violence. Thankfully, it was captured on video surveillance. Even more outrageous is the fact this crime is a misdemeanor and punishable by not more than a year in jail.

Let me know what you think. Write to me at [email protected].

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.