Exclusive | Venezuelan migrant accused of multiple thefts released again without bail

A Venezuelan migrant with two outstanding theft cases against him was arrested again for ripping a woman’s necklace from her body in a brutal sidewalk robbery – and was then quickly released by a Manhattan judge, The Post has learned.

Brian Castillos, 22, was arrested last Friday for the robbery in Hell’s Kitchen. He is alleged to have committed the robbery together with another migrant, Alexander Ayala. Ayala is a repeat offender and is also accused of beating two police officers at a Manhattan homeless shelter.

Authorities said Castillos and Ayala, 24, pulled over the woman around 3:30 p.m. on August 12 as she walked along 11th Avenue near 49th Street. Castillos rode his bicycle onto the sidewalk, grabbed her necklace and purse and rode away.

The woman, who had a small child with her, told police that there were two credit cards and a cell phone in her purse, according to the criminal complaint.

Castillos was charged with two counts of grand larceny, one count of endangering the welfare of a child and one count of petty theft. None of these charges are eligible for bail.

He was released at his arraignment on August 23 by Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Pamela Goldsmith after prosecutors raised no objections to his release, court records show.

According to police sources, he already has a long criminal record.

Just three months ago, Castillos pleaded guilty to stealing a police officer’s body camera in Manhattan on May 21, sources said. It is unclear what sentence he received because the case is now sealed.

That same month, authorities said, Castillos robbed two stores. He was arrested on May 13 for allegedly using a stolen credit card at the NBA store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. He was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, a felony.

On May 10, he allegedly attempted to steal $299 worth of merchandise from a Macy’s store on Fulton Street in Brooklyn. He was charged with possession of burglary tools, petit larceny and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen goods, all misdemeanors.

Both times he was subsequently released by the judges. Both cases are still open.

Despite the crimes he is accused of, prosecutors agreed to release him after his recent arrest – which apparently shocked the judge, who reminded them that Castillos was still facing a serious crime charge, according to a transcript of the hearing.

“The public supports the defendant’s release at this time,” said Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Augustin Baler.

“All right,” Goldsmith replied. “Were you aware that the defendant committed a serious crime?”

“Yes, Your Honor,” Baler replied. “People are aware that the defendant committed a serious crime.”

Francis White, the Legal Aid Society attorney representing Castillos, agreed – and said his client had assured him he “would return to court.”

The judge sharply reminded Castillos that it was not a polite request to return to court for his next hearing on September 17.

“Sir, you are released on your own responsibility, with the consent of the [district attorney’s office],” Goldsmith said. “You have to be back on September 17th, that’s not an option, not if you feel like it – you have to come back.”

Castillo’s alleged accomplice in the necklace and purse robbery was also released without bail.

According to a complaint, later that day he attempted to use the woman’s Amazon credit card at Gourmet 45, a delicatessen on Third Avenue, and at a T-Mobile store on Lexington Avenue.

Prosecutors charged Ayala with two counts of third-degree identity theft and one count of criminal possession of stolen goods, both non-bailable charges, and requested that he be released on probation.

Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Simiyon Haniff released Ayala on bail.

In May, prosecutors asked the court to hold Ayala on bail of $20,000 cash, $20,000 insurance bond and $40,000 partially secured surety following the scuffle with police that occurred at the Roosevelt Hotel migrant shelter.

Ayala was charged with two counts of assault and obstruction of justice for his actions on May 19. The charges also include a brazen attempt to snatch one of a police officer’s hats as a souvenir, authorities said.

Instead, he and the other defendants were released on probation despite Ayala’s criminal record, which includes a domestic violence charge in December, sources said.

He is due back in court on September 12 to face both charges.