NYC man accused of stealing from doctor fighting coronavirus released without bail
by Craig McCarthyA 29-year-old vagrant accused of swiping $11,000 worth in various items from an out-of-state volunteer coronavirus doctor is back out on the streets, authorities said Wednesday.
Ronaldo Lewis was arrested Tuesday night after cops were tipped off to the man’s identity through news coverage and was slapped with a slew of charges, including burglary — only to be released without bail Wednesday, officials said.
Lewis was arraigned Wednesday afternoon and was released on his own recognizance, because his crimes were not bail-eligible under state criminal justice reforms that took effect in January, according to the Brooklyn DA’s Office.
The homeless man allegedly broke into the Texas doctor’s room at the Brooklyn Hotel on Atlantic Avenue near Nostrand Avenue in Crown Heights at about 9 a.m. Saturday, cops said.
The accused thief left the hotel room “in disarray” and snatched various items, including the doctor’s purse and wallet, according to the criminal complaint.
Lewis was captured on surveillance camera lingering in and around the hotel before leaving with a duffel bag, the complaint adds.