Bandit, 17, charged for allegedly stealing memorabilia from legendary basketball coach Rick Pitino’s office during bizarre heist

Posted by author September 4, 2024 Basketball

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A teen was arrested for allegedly stealing memorabilia during a clumsy heist inside legendary St. John’s University basketball coach Rick Pitino’s office last month, authorities said Tuesday.

The 17-year-old bandit turned himself into cops for his brazen involvement in the bizarre Aug. 20 robbery, weeks after his alleged accomplice and Long Island City neighbor Emanuel Yakubov, 25, was collared by cops, according to police sources.

The youth — who police did not name because of his age — was charged with burglary and criminal trespass for breaking into Pitino’s office, where the pair allegedly snatched a ceremonial dagger and bullhorn.

Police have arrested a teen accomplice accused of stealing memorabilia from the office of St. John’s University basketball head coach Rick Pitino. Michelle Farsi/New York Post

They’re also accused of stealing several bottles of booze, a mask and a signed basketball.

Footage from the heist shows what appears to be a teen chatting on his cellphone while holding a bullhorn in a hallway inside Carnesecca Arena as he’s walking next to his fellow bandit, who is seen gripping a dagger.

Neither made any attempt to conceal their identity, according to the video.

The coach’s office is located above the basketball court, sources previously told The Post.

Police sources on Tuesday also said a 12-year-old may have also been involved in the crime, but cops are unsure of his role and have yet to find him.

Emanuel Yakubov is arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on charges of third-degree burglary, petit larceny, third-degree criminal trespassing, and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property in connection with the robbery of basketball coach Rick Pitino's office at St. Johns University — The teen turned himself in to police after they arrested his Long Island City neighbor Emanuel Yakubov, 25, according to cops. LP Media

Yakubov was caught days after the robbery and denied his alleged crimes while confronted by a Post reporter.

“I didn’t take the basketball,” the 25-year-old said as he was led into his Queens Criminal Court arraignment on stolen property, criminal trespass, petit larceny and burglary charges.

He also appeared confused after his attorney highlighted his community ties and argued he had no prior arrests during his court appearance.

“What do you mean I have no prior arrests?” he was overheard telling his attorney after the arraignment.

Meanwhile, Pitino, who previously coached in the NBA with the Knicks, joked about the stolen alcohol after the robbery.

“Really upset!” he wrote on X.

“Taking my memorabilia is one thing but the 1985 6L Petrus Pomerol has me livid!!!”