Worst Transit Terrors in NYC: 5,000+ Busts, Still on the Streets

Rising Concerns Over Repeat Transit Offenders in New York City

Despite a reported decline in subway crime across New York City, the experiences of victims suggest otherwise. A group of 63 career criminals continues to cause disruption within the city’s transit system, with over 5,000 arrests attributed to them collectively. However, only five of these individuals are currently incarcerated, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of current criminal justice policies.

These repeat offenders have built up extensive records involving a wide range of offenses, from assault and robbery to theft and turnstile-jumping. Despite their frequent appearances in court, many remain free due to the state's criminal-justice reforms, which limit judges' ability to set bail for non-violent crimes. This has led to frustration among law enforcement officials who argue that the current approach is not sufficient to address the issue.

According to recent NYPD statistics, transit crime in the five boroughs has seen a decrease, with a 3.8% drop over the first eight months of the year compared to the same period in 2024. Over the past two years, the decline has been nearly 6%, thanks in part to increased police presence and targeted enforcement efforts. However, this positive trend does not reflect the reality faced by those who experience repeated incidents of crime on the subways.

The state's 2019 criminal-justice reforms, designed to reduce incarceration rates, have had unintended consequences. These changes prevent judges from setting bail for most non-violent offenses, allowing many repeat offenders to be released while their cases are pending. As a result, some of these individuals go on to commit additional crimes, perpetuating a cycle of lawbreaking.

Notorious Repeat Offenders

Among the most infamous figures in this group is Michael Wilson, a 39-year-old man with an astonishing 198 arrests, 190 of which are related to the transit system. His record includes multiple arrests for allegedly tampering with MetroCard dispensers. Another notable offender is Kenney Mitchell, a 28-year-old with 149 total arrests, including 18 since May of this year for theft and forgery. In June, he was found lying on a C train platform with a pocket full of crack vials.

Carlos Baezcaban, 53, has 72 arrests, including charges of grand larceny, trespassing, and drug possession. He was recently placed on probation for a possession of stolen property conviction but has already been arrested six times since then. Some offenders have also been charged with sex-related crimes, such as public lewdness and forcible touching.

Matthew Leon, 26, has 29 arrests, 13 of which are sex-related, including allegations of fondling female passengers and pressing against others. Jamar Cobb, 38, has 48 arrests, including for robbery, public lewdness, and theft. Shaquille Clarke, 32, has 18 arrests, including alleged forcible touching and robbery, and has been charged with pressing against a woman and hitting a woman to steal her phone.

Of the six chronic offenders mentioned above, only Leon is currently behind bars. He was ordered held without bail on a February charge of forcible touching of a minor in Queens. The rest continue to roam freely, despite their extensive criminal histories.

Declining Prosecution Rates

Prosecution rates for transit crimes have also declined significantly. Ten years ago, 81% of transit felony arrests resulted in convictions, compared to just 36% to 38% today. Many of these cases involve minor charges that do not require the services of a private attorney, leading to representation by public defenders.

The Legal Aid Society, which provides public defenders, did not comment on the situation. The Post reached out to several attorneys who have represented some of these offenders, but most either did not respond or refused to discuss the cases.

This ongoing issue highlights the need for a more effective approach to addressing repeat offenders in the transit system. While crime rates may be declining overall, the impact on victims and the community remains significant, and the current system appears to be failing to hold these individuals accountable for their actions.