Brandon Simosa, a Venezuelan illegal immigrant, was arraigned for a brazen robbery and inappropriate behavior toward a female prosecutor in Manhattan.
The New York Post reported that a Venezuelan migrant named Brandon Simosa, allegedly linked to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, robbed a 38-year-old Manhattan prosecutor.
According to reports, Simosa simulated possessing a firearm to menace the prosecutor, demanding her valuables while engaging in lewd behavior. The terrified prosecutor complied, hurling her phone, credit cards, debit cards, and ID at Simosa in hopes of escaping the harrowing situation.
The unnerving encounter did not end with the robbery; Simosa forced her to disclose her PINs amid his threats.
Shortly after the incident, NYPD officers were called to the scene near Row Hotel. The subsequent investigation led them to the Row Hotel migrant shelter, where Simosa was residing. Here, he was identified from a photo lineup and arrested.
Upon his arrest, Simosa seemingly boasted about his newfound infamy from being covered in the news.
He readily admitted to the crimes when taken into custody, revealing a brazen disregard for the law. Officials were stunned by his casual admittance and his previous brushes with the law since his arrival in New York City in June 2024.
Over the few months since his arrival, Simosa's criminal endeavors appeared relentless. He had been arrested seven times for various offenses including domestic assault, grand larceny (twice), transit fare evasion, and theft connected to an incident in April. His criminal record was detailed during the court proceedings, underscoring a troubling pattern of unlawful behavior.
During his arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court, observers noted Simosa's disturbing demeanor. "He arrived here in New York in June and has managed to get arrested seven times since June, and at one point was smiling and is smiling now, and I observed him laughing during the proceeding," recounted Judge Janet McDonnell. The gravity of Simosa’s actions and his nonchalant attitude in court was alarming.
Assistant District Attorney Devin Horzempa stated, "The sicko grabbed what the prosecutor believed to be a gun from his pocket and demanded cash as he cornered her in the building’s stairwell."
The prosecution emphasized the severity of Simosa's actions, highlighting the sexual motivation behind the robbery and his potential danger to the community.
Defense attorney David Liebman requested a reasonable cash bail for Simosa. However, considering Simosa’s lack of community ties, ongoing deportation proceedings, and the risk of flight, Judge McDonnell ordered him held without bail.
"The defendant is a foreign national who now faces almost certain removal and deportation if he is convicted of these charges. Immigration already filed a container with this case. He is also homeless, showing a lack of community ties," added Horzempa.
This case has reverberated through the Manhattan community, particularly amidst increasing concerns over migrant-related crimes and gang activities.
The legal outcomes of this case could set precedents for dealing with similar crimes and further complicate the ongoing discussions about immigration and public safety.
Brandon Simosa’s arrest for a sexually charged robbery and his subsequent court behavior highlights an alarming episode of criminal activity by a foreign national with purported gang affiliations.
His string of crimes, including the audacious robbery of a Manhattan prosecutor, underline the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing migrant crimes intertwined with gang involvement.
How the judicial system handles this case will be closely watched, as it involves complex layers of criminal justice, immigration, and community safety concerns.