Staff Report

SYRACUSE — The grandmother and aunt of Aaliyah Ramirez, the Syracuse teen who was missing for more than four months, were granted bond reductions after spending the last 30 days behind bars.

Elizabeth Ann Sands, 47, and Allissa Marie Sands, 25, appeared in Kosciusko Superior Court 1 Monday, Sept. 27, before Judge Karin McGrath. 

The two women are facing charges for their alleged involvement after Ramirez was found safe in Palm Beach, Fla., last month. 

Elizabeth Sands is the maternal grandmother of Ramirez, and Allissa Sands is Ramirez’s aunt. 

Charges of interference with custody, a level 6 felony; and false informing, a class A misdemeanor, were filed in Kosciusko Superior Court 1. There is also a no-contact order prohibiting either woman from contacting Ramirez.

Bond was initially set at $50,000 surety and $1,000 cash.

Elizabeth Sands was represented in court Monday by Donald K. McClellan. Allissa Sands was represented by Kelly N. Bryan. 

Both attorneys requested bond reductions for their respective clients.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Sobek told Judge McGrath that the Sands do not respect the court’s authority and said he believed the current bond was appropriate.

McClellan and Bryan pointed out that their clients do not have a criminal history and both are gainfully employed in Florida.

Elizabeth Sands does not have a passport. Allissa Sands said she does have a passport but has not used it since 2014 and doesn’t know where it is currently. 

McGrath expressed concern for the Sands’ “demonstrated disdain for law and authority” but acknowledged the lack of criminal history. 

Bond in each case was reduced to $20,000 surety and $500 cash. Both women will be required to sign a waiver of extradition prior to being released from custody. 

A pretrial conference hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. Nov. 29.