A Bronx man on Saturday was ordered held on $40,000 bail after he was arraigned on charges that he robbed an 88-year-old borough resident of the money he had just won at Resorts World Casino in South Ozone Park, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.
Gregory Hillman, 57, has been charged with one count of second-degree robbery, three counts of second-degree assault (including one for assaulting a person over 65 years of age) and one count of fourth-degree grand larceny.
According to the complaint, on Oct. 31, surveillance video showed Hillman allegedly stalked the elderly East Elmhurst resident after the victim won $1,000 at the casino. Hillman boarded the same RWC shuttle bus and Q47 MTA bus as the victim. According to the victim’s account, he was approached from behind by an individual who placed both hands around his waist and shoved both hands inside his pants pocket. A struggle allegedly ensued and the person pushed the victim to the ground, causing him to hit his head on the pavement and eventually black out. While on the ground, the individual allegedly pulled the chain attaching the victim’s wallet to his belt and ripped it free. The wallet allegedly contained, among other items, $1,010 in cash and a Capital One credit card.
Additionally, an eyewitness at the victim’s apartment building allegedly observed a heavy set black man wearing blue pants, a black jacket and a dark-colored baseball cap struggling with the victim before fleeing the scene.
The victim was taken to a borough hospital where he was treated for contusions and welts, a bump on his forehead and face and scratches on his hands.
Hillman was scheduled to return to court on Nov. 21. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
