The defense attorney for a man accused of swinging a machete at people and stealing a police cruiser wants her client to be released from jail

The defense attorney for a man accused of swinging a machete at people and stealing a police cruiser wants her client to be released from jail so he can attend a substance abuse rehabilitation center for two weeks. But Essex County State’s Attorney Vince Illuzzi is concerned about the public’s safety. Attorney Laura Wilson of Lyndonville proposed releasing Jeremy Way, 51, of Lunenburg, in Essex Superior Court on Tuesday. The details of the possible release are not ready yet, but Attorney Wilson said she is working on a plan for Way to attend Valley Vista in Bradford. State’s Attorney Illuzzi said he was not in favor of the idea. After the hearing, Illuzzi said he was concerned about the “unsecure” nature of Valley Vista and the aftercare program in the community.