Migrant pickpocket crew nabbed working the crowd at NYC Governor's Ball Festival: police
Share this @internewscast.com

A group of pickpockets who were working at the Governor’s Ball Festival in Queens was caught, but now all three members are free again, as police and court records indicate.

Officers were called to Flushing Meadows Corona Park during the three-day music festival due to reports of stolen phones. Sharp-eyed officers noticed the three Colombian migrants — one of whom was seen taking a phone from a victim’s purse, according to law enforcement sources.

The arrested individuals were Maritza Cortes Palomo, 35; Windi Paola Mendoza Echeverry, 34; and Maria Mendoza, 30. They were taken into custody and charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, an NYPD spokesperson reported on Sunday.


Statue of Liberty wearing sunglasses surrounded by pink-wrapped trees at a music festival.
Three migrants were arrested for pickpocketing patrons at the Governor’s Ball Festival on Friday, according to police. Brandon Nagy/Shutterstock

Echeverry was also charged with resisting arrest, police said.

According to sources, cops from the NYPD Pickpocket Squad and Patrol Borough Queens North flooded the festival looking for sticky-fingered crooks, which led to the Friday night arrests.

One of the migrants had four phones tucked in her waistband when she was arrested, sources said.

Court records show that all three of the alleged Governor’s Ball thieves were arraigned on Saturday and Sunday and all were released without bail pending return court appearances.

All three woman told police they live in Florida.


Gov Ball Festival Store with attendees browsing merchandise.
Cops responded to the Governor’s Ball Festival in Queens on reports of stolen phones and arreseted three migrants. Brandon Nagy/Shutterstock

Under the state’s controversial 2019 criminal justice reforms the charges lodged against the three migrants were not eligible for bail.

Palomo and Mendoza are due back in court on July 29, and Echeverry is scheduled for Aug. 12.

The Post reported last year that teams of pickpocketing asylum seekers had created an additional headache for the NYPD, with sources identifying at least 100 migrant offenders.

One year earlier, the department created the pickpocket team to combat the trend.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
$775 million Powerball: Winning numbers for Wednesday, Dec. 3

Discover the Winning Numbers for Powerball’s December 24th Drawing

WASHINGTON — Hold onto your tickets: Could you be the next big…
Shooting leaves 19-year-old injured on Westside, police say

19-Year-Old Injured in Westside Shooting Incident, Police Report

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the arrest of a suspect following…
More holiday bark sold at Aldi recalled over undeclared allergens

Aldi Initiates Recall of Holiday Bark Due to Undisclosed Allergen Concerns

Recent developments have led to an expanded recall of certain products sold…
Will Arnett reveals what inspired his new movie 'Is This Thing On?'

Will Arnett Unveils the Inspiration Behind His Latest Film ‘Is This Thing On?

Will Arnett, the star of “Is This Thing On?”, reveals the inspiration…
UFO secret files, drone swarms and nuclear-linked sightings stun experts in 2025

Experts Astonished by UFO Files, Drone Swarms, and Nuclear-Related Sightings in 2025

In 2025, the topic of UFOs captured widespread attention. A surge of…
Mayor Adams vetoes bill that’d make it easier for gender violence victims to sue

Mayor Adams Vetoes Proposed Legislation to Simplify Legal Recourse for Gender Violence Survivors

In one of his final moves before leaving office, Mayor Adams issued…
New charges against DC National Guard shooting suspect open death penalty door

DC National Guard Shooting Suspect Faces New Charges, Potential Death Penalty Looms

The Afghan national implicated in the shooting of two National Guard members…
NFL Christmas Day Bettors Guide

Ultimate NFL Christmas Day Betting Tips: Maximize Your Wins This Holiday Season!

COWBOYS at COMMANDERS 1 p.m., Cowboys favored by 6 ½, Over/Under 49…
Isis Ogunti ID'd as woman killed in Chicago shooting, car crash on 103rd Street; family offering $12K reward for arrest

Tragic Chicago Incident: Isis Ogunti’s Family Offers $12K Reward for Justice in 103rd Street Shooting and Crash

A Chicago family is grappling with tragedy and seeking justice, as they…
NJ man charged with murdering girlfriend, a former Broadway child star

Tragic Turn: NJ Man Accused of Murdering Ex-Broadway Child Star Girlfriend

Authorities in New Jersey have charged a man with the murder of…
Bow Wow Lounge rabies: Chicago dog daycare says dog with virus visited facility; 1st case in decades, IDPH says

Chicago’s Bow Wow Lounge Reports Rare Rabies Case: First in Decades, Confirms Illinois Health Officials

CHICAGO — In a rare occurrence, a dog in Chicago has been…
ICE agents open fire on van driver who allegedly tried to run them over on Christmas Eve

ICE Agents Involved in Christmas Eve Shooting: Van Driver Allegedly Attempts to Run Them Down

On Christmas Eve, two individuals sustained injuries when U.S. Immigration and Customs…