Venezuelan Migrant Arrested for Robbery in Hellâs Kitchen
A Venezuelan migrant with a history of theft cases was recently arrested for a robbery in Hellâs Kitchen, where he snatched a womanâs necklace off her body. The suspect, Brian Castillos, 22, committed the crime with another migrant man, Alexander Ayala, 24, who is also a repeat offender with a violent history.
The incident took place on 11th Avenue near 49th Street at around 3:30 p.m. on August 12. Castillos, riding a bike on the sidewalk, approached the woman, grabbed her necklace and purse, and fled the scene. The victim, who was with her young child, reported that her purse contained two credit cards and a cellphone.
Castillos was charged with two counts of grand larceny, endangering the welfare of a child, and petit larceny. Despite his criminal record, which includes a recent guilty plea for stealing a copâs body camera, he was released by Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Pamela Goldsmith after prosecutors did not object.
In previous incidents, Castillos was involved in robbing stores and using stolen credit cards. However, he was released by judges in those cases as well. During his recent hearing, the judge reminded him of his upcoming court date and emphasized the importance of his attendance.
Ayala, Castillos’ accomplice in the robbery, was also released without bail. He attempted to use the stolen credit card at local stores after the incident. He was charged with identity theft and criminal possession of stolen property, both non-bail-eligible charges. Despite a previous altercation with police officers at a migrant shelter, Ayala was released on supervised release by Judge Simiyon Haniff.
The decision to release both suspects without bail has raised concerns, especially considering their criminal history and the seriousness of the charges against them. Prosecutors had requested bail in previous cases involving Ayala, but he was still released on supervised release.
Both Castillos and Ayala are scheduled to appear in court for their respective charges in the coming weeks. The repeated instances of release without bail for individuals with a history of criminal behavior highlight the challenges faced by the justice system in addressing recidivism and ensuring public safety.
