- Kevin Rodriguez and Samuel Reveron, both 25, were arrested by New York City police on Friday and booked with counts of trespassing as well as conspiracy.
- The two men pleaded not guilty and were released without being required to post a bond because their charges were not eligible for a bail amount setting.
- Police reportedly suspect them of searching for valuables that had been washed into the storm drains and sewer system.
- The arrests of Reveron and Rodriguez came after three people were seen emerging from a manhole on Manhattan's Upper East Side during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
- Three people were seen coming out from a sewer near Park Avenue and East 61st Street at about 4:35 am on Wednesday before fleeing north on Park.
- In May, a group was captured on surveillance footage climbing into a sewer in South Brooklyn.
- In June, a witness described three men entering a sewer like 'Ninja Turtles'.
- In late August, NYPD investigated a video of three people emerging from a manhole near Madison Square Garden.
Two men, Kevin Rodriguez (26) and Samuel Reveron (25), were arrested in New York City after emerging from a sewer near a hotel where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to stay during the UN General Assembly.1
Police suspect they were searching for valuables washed into the drains, a part of a growing trend of similar incidents in the city.3
According to court documents, the men were charged with trespassing and conspiracy but were released without bail due to the nature of their charges.
Reveron allegedly told police, “We go into the sewer and look for valuables that get stuck in the storm drains and sewers, gold, anything of value.”
The NYPD noted that this incident fits a pattern of individuals entering the sewer system to search for scrap metal and valuables after storms.
Authorities have increased security around sensitive locations like the hotel due to the UN General Assembly, leading to heightened scrutiny of such activities.
The arrests followed a series of similar incidents, including a recent case where three individuals were seen emerging from a manhole in Manhattan.
Brian Kennedy, an attorney for Reveron, denied any connection between his client’s actions and the UN, stating, “Desperation leads to great efforts.”
The NYPD and US Secret Service are conducting additional security sweeps in light of these events, emphasizing the risks associated with entering the sewer system, which can expose individuals to toxic gases and flooding.
New York officials have cautioned the public against entering manholes or drains, highlighting the dangers involved.
“The arrests follow a pattern of sewer incursions across the city, with police citing similar incidents after storms. Rodriguez and Reveron, both 25, were released without bond after pleading not guilty, with one getting supervised release.”
The Guardian
BBC
