NEW YORK — A Manhattan assistant district attorney was the victim of a robbery early Sunday morning in the hallway of her Hell’s Kitchen apartment building, police said. The incident occurred around 2 a.m., with authorities alleging the suspect, identified as 22-year-old Brandon Simosa, stole the woman’s purse, cell phone, and bank cards, and performed a lewd act during the assault.
Police were able to track the stolen cell phone to a hotel on West 45th Street, leading to the identification of the suspect. Authorities said Samosa, who is believed to have arrived in the United States in February 2023, was arrested late Monday evening while allegedly using drugs on the street.
Simosa was reportedly in possession of items stolen during the robbery at the time of his arrest. Police believe he is affiliated with Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang linked to similar crimes targeting individuals in areas such as Times Square and Central Park.
The victim, who was not injured during the incident, is among several recent targets in what officials have described as a series of attacks involving organized groups preying on New York City residents. Simosa is now facing multiple charges, including sexually motivated robbery and burglary.
Records show that Samosa has been arrested six times this year on similar charges, underscoring what authorities describe as a troubling pattern of criminal behavior.
