The Migrant Leader of a Manhattan-Based Cell Phone Robbery Crew Sentenced to State Prison
Victor Parra, the Ringleader, Faces 2-6 Years in State Prison
The migrant leader of a Manhattan-based cell phone robbery crew was sentenced to state prison time Tuesday.
In February 2024, police brass announced the takedown of moped-riding, drive-by thieves who would yank cellphones from pedestrians before using the devices to clean out the victim’s bank accounts. New Yorkers did not just suffer financially, cops also reported that people were violently dragged by the crews, leaving them injured.
A Network of Thieves
Victor Parra, who hails from Venezuela, was named as the ringleader who would send out messages via WhatsApp, commanding other migrants to speed around the city on scooters and perform drive-by snatching of phones, purses, and other valuables.
“The text will say: ‘I have money available, go get them.’ The crime wave begins with the scooter operators making $100 a day and with the actual phone snatch making between $300 to $600,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said at the time. “The stolen phones are then brought back to Parra’s residence.”
How the Scheme Worked
According to court records, Parra met with the cell phone snatchers, paid them for each stolen cell phone, and added extra money if the cell phones were unlocked when they were delivered.
In one example, on December 22, 2023, at around 12 a.m. at the intersection of West 24th Street and 6th Avenue, one of Parra’s criminal associates perched on the back seat of a moped and snatched a victim’s cellphone. He then met with Parra in the Bronx, where the duo made two transactions on the victim’s Apple card for $1,742 and another for $1,630. They also attempted to make a declined $1,000 transaction on Zelle.
In another incident, at 8:30 p.m. on January 5, 2024, in front of 721 3rd Avenue, prosecutors said Parra ordered two people to steal a cell phone. They then convened with Parra in the Bronx. Two unauthorized Zelle transactions for $1,300 and then $200 were made on the victim’s Zelle account.
Justice Served
“This ring snatched more than two dozen cell phones in Manhattan, and now its ringleader is being held accountable,” District Attorney Alvin Bragg said. “This investigation also led us to a larger alleged gun trafficking conspiracy that involves four defendants selling illegal firearms. I want to thank our attorneys for their diligent investigation that was able to connect this criminal activity. It demonstrates the depth of knowledge and expertise we have here in the Manhattan D.A.’s Office to combat crime in all its forms.”
Parra pleaded guilty in New York State Supreme Court to two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny. He was sentenced on February 25 to serve between 2 and 6 years in state prison.
Conclusion
The sentence handed down to Victor Parra marks a significant victory in the fight against cell phone robbery and related crimes in Manhattan. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of effective law enforcement and the need for continued vigilance in the fight against crime.
FAQs
* Who was the ringleader of the cell phone robbery crew?
+ Victor Parra, a migrant from Venezuela.
* What was the modus operandi of the cell phone snatchers?
+ They would use mopeds to ride around the city, snatching phones from pedestrians, and then sell them to Parra, who would unlock and use them to make unauthorized transactions.
* How many cell phones were stolen in total?
+ More than two dozen.
* What was the sentence handed down to Parra?
+ 2-6 years in state prison.
* What other crimes did the investigation uncover?
+ An alleged gun trafficking conspiracy involving four defendants selling illegal firearms.
