Crime within the Metro system remains a significant issue in New York City, but for the victims caught in this cycle, it feels more personal.
A group of 63 habitual offenders continues to cause chaos underground, racking up over 5,000 arrests, yet only five are currently incarcerated.
Their rap sheets include a range of offenses, from assault and robbery to petty theft and fare evasion. Unfortunately, recent reforms in the state’s criminal justice system limit judges’ ability to impose bail on many of these crimes.
“While subway crime statistics show a decrease, the same few individuals seem to be responsible, creating ongoing frustration,” said a law enforcement source. “It’s like, even with the reforms, there’s no deterrent.”
According to recent statistics from the NYPD, transportation-related crime in the city has dropped by about 3.8% during the first eight months of this year compared to 2024. Over the past two years, this figure has decreased nearly 6%, largely due to enhanced police presence and targeted enforcement efforts.
This improvement, however, isn’t due to the criminal law reforms initiated in 2019, which prevent bail for most non-violent offenses.
Under these regulations, repeat offenders typically face minimal consequences, often having their cases paused while awaiting further processing.
Take, for example, 39-year-old Michael Wilson, known for his extensive criminal history linked to the transit system, with 190 arrests and 36 of those occurring just this year. His offenses include tampering with Metro Card machines.
Another notable offender is 28-year-old Kenny Mitchell, who boasts a staggering 149 arrests. This year alone, he has been apprehended 18 times on charges of theft and counterfeiting, even found lying on a train platform with drug paraphernalia.
Despite the overall decline in crime, those 63 habitual offenders continue their activities, now with only a handful behind bars.
Carlos Baezkaban, 53, faces 72 arrests, spanning serious offenses like theft and drug possession, some occurring after a probation violation.
In addition, there are offenders involved in sexual-related crimes. For instance, 26-year-old Matthew Leon has 29 arrests, with a number of charges involving inappropriate behavior against women.
Another offender, 38-year-old Jammer Cobb, is linked to numerous robberies and instances of public indecency.
Shaquille Clark, 32, allegedly pushed a woman in the subway and has multiple charges against him, including robbery and indecent behavior. He has been on probation since May following a prior robbery conviction.
Out of these six individuals, only Leon remains in custody. The others continue to roam freely in the city.
Leon is currently detained without bail for charges related to inappropriate contact with a minor.
Many of these offenders have been represented by different attorneys over the years, predominantly public defenders. Some charges are minor enough that legal representation wasn’t deemed necessary.
The Legal Aid Association, which provides public defense, opted not to comment on the matter. Attempts to contact various attorneys representing these individuals went unanswered, and no insights were provided.
