Police arrested a teen confederate accused of stealing memorabilia throughout a careless heist inside legendary St. John’s College basketball coach Rick Pitino’s workplace final month, authorities mentioned Tuesday.
The 17-year-old bandit turned himself into cops for his brazen involvement within the weird Aug. 20 theft, weeks after his Lengthy Island Metropolis neighbor Emanuel Yakubov, 25, was collared by cops, in keeping with police sources.
The youth — who police didn’t identify due to his age — was charged with housebreaking and legal trespass for breaking into Pitino’s workplace, the place the pair allegedly snatched a ceremonial dagger and bullhorn.
They’re additionally accused of stealing a number of bottles of booze, a masks and a signed basketball.
Footage from the heist reveals what seems to be a teen chatting on his cellphone whereas holding a bullhorn in a hallway inside Carnesecca Area as he’s strolling subsequent to his fellow bandit, who’s seen gripping a dagger.
Neither made any try to hide their id, in keeping with the video.
The coach’s workplace is situated above the basketball courtroom, sources beforehand informed The Submit.
Police sources on Tuesday additionally mentioned a 12-year-old could have additionally been concerned within the crime, however cops are uncertain of his position and have but to seek out him.
Yakubov was caught days after the theft and denied his alleged crimes whereas confronted by a Submit reporter.
“I didn’t take the basketball,” the 25-year-old mentioned as he was led into his Queens Felony Courtroom arraignment on stolen property, legal trespass, petit larceny and housebreaking prices.
He additionally appeared confused after his lawyer highlighted his group ties and argued he had no prior arrests throughout his courtroom look.
“What do you imply I’ve no prior arrests?” he was overheard telling his lawyer after the arraignment.
In the meantime, Pitino, who beforehand coached within the NBA with the Knicks, joked concerning the stolen alcohol after the theft.
“Actually upset!” he wrote on X.
“Taking my memorabilia is one factor however the 1985 6L Petrus Pomerol has me furious!!!”
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