Three Arrested After $600 Anime NYC Robbery at Javits Center
State Police said investigators identified three suspects and arrested them near the Manhattan convention center shortly after a patron reported $600 stolen.
Three men were arrested after an Anime NYC robbery in which a convention patron was allegedly robbed of $600 in cash at Manhattan’s Javits Center, according to New York State Police. Investigators said all three suspects were apprehended while they were still near the convention center on Thursday, Aug. 20.
The incident occurred on the opening day of Anime NYC, one of the nation’s largest gatherings devoted to Japanese animation and pop culture. The four-day event was scheduled for Aug. 20 through Aug. 23 and organizers said it was expected to bring roughly 150,000 fans to the Javits Center.
Three Men Charged in Anime NYC Robbery
New York State Police identified the suspects as:
- Jermaine R. McBean, of Queens Village
- Ove Williams, of Brooklyn
- Raphique A. Morris, of Brooklyn
State Police said investigators from the Troop NYC Manhattan Criminal Squad arrested the three men on Aug. 20 following an investigation into the reported theft.
Police said the victim was a patron attending Anime NYC when $600 in cash was taken.
According to the State Police account, investigators moved quickly after receiving the report.
“Troopers and Investigators were able to identify and apprehend the suspects still in the vicinity.”
All three men were taken to the New York Police Department’s 10th Precinct for processing before being transferred to Manhattan Central Booking, according to State Police.
What Charges Do the Suspects Face?
McBean, Williams and Morris were each charged with:
- Robbery in the third degree, a Class D felony.
- Petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor.
The State Police release did not provide additional information about how the alleged robbery occurred, whether physical force was used, whether weapons were involved or how investigators identified the suspects.
Because those details were not included in the official release, the Utica Phoenix will not speculate about them.
The charges are accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Anime NYC Was Just Beginning When Robbery Was Reported
The timing of the Anime NYC robbery is notable because the incident happened on the first day of a major convention expected to draw enormous crowds to Manhattan’s West Side.
Anime NYC’s official website lists the 2026 convention for Aug. 20-23 at the Javits Center and describes the gathering as the largest anime convention on the East Coast. Organizers said more than 150,000 fans were expected to attend.
The convention includes:
- Exhibits and merchandise vendors
- Anime screenings
- Gaming
- Cosplay events
- Panels and special programming
- Appearances by creators from Japan and elsewhere
The Javits Center’s official calendar also confirms Anime NYC was scheduled at the Manhattan venue from Aug. 20 through Aug. 23.
That means tens of thousands of visitors may be entering and leaving the building throughout the weekend, including tourists who are unfamiliar with the surrounding area.
Convention Crowds Put a Premium on Awareness
Large conventions can create an unusual environment. Visitors may carry cash, expensive collectibles, phones, cameras, costumes and merchandise while moving through crowded entrances, sidewalks, subway stations and exhibit areas.
That does not mean attendees should expect crime, nor does a robbery involving one patron establish a broader crime trend at Anime NYC.
It does, however, reinforce basic precautions that are useful at any heavily attended public event.
Visitors can reduce their vulnerability by keeping wallets and phones secured, avoiding displaying large amounts of cash, staying with friends when possible and reporting threatening or suspicious behavior to event security or police.
Attendees should also avoid handing phones, wallets, convention badges or other valuables to strangers.
Javits Center Has Been Expanding Security Coordination
Security at the Javits Center had already been receiving increased attention before this week’s Anime NYC robbery.
Minutes from a Javits Center board committee meeting approved in January 2026 said the center had begun discussions with New York State Police about establishing a permanent on-site presence. The minutes also said State Police would conduct random daily patrols while that partnership was being developed.
That background helps explain why Troop NYC investigators were in a position to respond to crimes connected with the convention center.
The Aug. 20 arrests demonstrate one possible advantage of having law enforcement personnel familiar with the venue and its surroundings during large events.
Still, the arrests alone do not prove that additional policing prevents every theft or robbery. Large events require cooperation among law enforcement, convention security, organizers and attendees.
Anime NYC Continues Through Sunday
Despite the arrests, Anime NYC remained scheduled to continue through Sunday, Aug. 23.
According to the convention’s published schedule, exhibit hall hours were set for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with Sunday programming continuing until 4 p.m.
Organizers describe Anime NYC as a celebration of Japanese popular culture bringing fans, publishers and creators together for exhibitions, screenings and other programming.
No information released by State Police indicated that the Anime NYC robbery disrupted the convention’s overall schedule.
What Happens Next?
McBean, Williams and Morris were transferred to Manhattan Central Booking for arraignment following their arrests, State Police said.
State Police did not provide arraignment outcomes, attorney information or future court dates in the Aug. 21 announcement.
Those details should be considered unverified unless they are subsequently released by the courts, prosecutors, defense attorneys or another authoritative source.
The Utica Phoenix will update the story if additional verified information becomes available.
Conclusion
The Anime NYC robbery involved a relatively small amount of money compared with some major theft cases, but the incident offers a reminder of the public-safety challenges that can accompany events attracting massive crowds.
State Police said investigators were able to identify and arrest McBean, Williams and Morris near the Javits Center on the same day the $600 robbery was reported.
As Anime NYC continues through the weekend, attendees should enjoy the convention while keeping valuables secure and staying aware of their surroundings.
Anyone who witnesses a crime or believes they are in immediate danger should contact law enforcement or convention security.
Sources
New York State Police: Aug. 21, 2026 press release, “Three Arrested for Robbery at Javits Center.”
Anime NYC: Official 2026 convention information and schedule.
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center: Official events calendar and security committee records.
