September Crime Spree Targeted Livery Cabs In Southern Westchester, The Bronx

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A Mount Vernon man is accused of at least 10 knifepoint robberies and carjackings targeting livery cabs in Yonkers, Mount Vernon and the Bronx in a crime spree through September.

"As alleged, Allanmon Mavumkal preyed on innocent livery cab drivers who had the misfortune of responding to Mavumkal’s call for a ride," Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said in an announcement about the charges. "Protecting hardworking New Yorkers from acts of violence is always a priority of this Office.”

Mavumkal surrendered on Oct. 1, and was to be presented Monday in Manhattan federal court before the Honorable Gabriel W. Gorenstein. He is being charged under the Hobbs Act.

ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan M. Benedict said: “Mavumkal is alleged to have engaged in a pattern of armed robberies and carjackings of taxi drivers, extending from the Bronx to Mount Vernon and Yonkers. Over the course of barely a month, he allegedly repeatedly preyed on hard working New Yorkers trying to do nothing more than to earn an honest living. Today’s charges send a clear message that we and our law enforcement partners stand at the ready to bring violent offenders to justice.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed in Manhattan federal court:

On September 21, 2017, MAVUMKAL hailed a livery cab in the Bronx, and directed the driver to a particular destination. After arriving at the drop-off location, MAVUMKAL threatened the driver with a large knife, which was captured on video from the cab, ordered the driver out of the cab, and then drove away in the cab. The investigation is continuing.

Mavumkal , 30, of Mount Vernon, New York, is charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

If you believe you were a victim of this crime, including a victim entitled to restitution, and you wish to provide information to law enforcement and/or receive notice of future developments in the case or additional information, please contact Wendy Olsen-Clancy, the Victim Witness Coordinator at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, at (866) 874-8900, or Wendy.Olsen@usdoj.gov.

For additional information, go here.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Justin V. Rodriguez is in charge of the prosecution.

The charge contained in the Complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.