Photo Courtesy of DA Katz’s Office
“The defendant is accused of participating in selling off millions of dollars’ worth of stolen merchandise taken from JFK Airport,” DA Katz said.
By Forum Staff
A fifth indicted defendant has been apprehended and arraigned in Queens Supreme Court for his role in assisting the crew that allegedly committed two brazen heists, swiping more than $6 million worth of designer merchandise from John F. Kennedy International Airport last year, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Thursday.
Oscar Asencio, 32, has been arraigned on an indictment charging him with criminal possession of stolen property in the first degree and conspiracy in the fourth degree. Asencio was ordered remanded and his next court date set for March 25.
According to the charges, a crew of men – some of them former airport workers—used their insider knowledge of how shipments are picked up at the airport to gain access to a cargo importer in
January and May of 2020. A co-defendant went to the receiving office for the importer and used forged documents to gain access to various shipments of designer goods.
According to the charges, more than $800,000 in Prada merchandise was stolen in the first heist. In May, more than $5.3 million in Gucci and Chanel products were taken from the importing business.
The DA said that Asencio allegedly helped protect the merchandise that was stolen in May that was subsequently stashed in a non-operating beauty salon at Guy R. Brewer Boulevard and 147th Avenue in
File Photo
All but approximately $2.5 million worth of merchandise was sold. Police executing a court-authorized search warrant seized mountains of boxes stuffed with stolen Gucci bags, clothes and other accoutrements.
Jamaica. Surveillance video allegedly shows Asencio at the site carrying bags filled with the stolen property in and out of the building. Asencio allegedly also helped sell some of the stolen items out of the stash house.
All but approximately $2.5 million worth of merchandise was sold. Police executing a court-authorized search warrant seized mountains of boxes stuffed with stolen Gucci bags, clothes and other accoutrements. There were more than 1,000 Chanel purses, jewelry, sunglasses and accessories and Prada items found inside the empty building.
“On the run since October, this defendant is now in custody and facing very serious charges. The defendant is accused of participating in selling off millions of dollars’ worth of stolen merchandise taken from JFK Airport. Our airports are supposed to be secure for both people and the goods imported into our region,” Katz said. “One of my top priorities is keeping our airports safe for all travelers, as well as imported merchandise—including the much-needed PPE, vaccines and other medical supplies coming into New York.”
If convicted, Asencio faces up to 25 years in prison.
