A teenager was arrested for allegedly stealing memorabilia during a botched burglary Inside the office of legendary St. John’s University basketball coach Rick Pitino last month, officials said Tuesday.
The 17-year-old bandit turned himself in to police for his alleged accomplice and Long Island City neighbor Emmanuel Yakubov, 25, for his brazen involvement in the bizarre Aug. 20 robbery, according to police sources.
The youth — whose name police did not release because of his age — was charged with burglary and criminal trespass for breaking into Pitino’s office, where the pair allegedly took away a ceremonial dagger and a bullhorn.
They are also accused of stealing several bottles of alcohol, masks and signed basketballs.
Footage of the robbery shows a teenager holding a bullhorn chatting on his cellphone in a hallway inside the Carnesecca Arena as he walks next to his fellow bandit, who is seen holding a machete.
According to the video, the duo made no attempt to hide their identities.
The coach’s office is located above the basketball court, sources previously told The Post.
Police sources on Tuesday also said that a 12-year-old child may also be involved in the crime, but police are unsure about his role and are yet to trace him.
Yakubov was caught days after the robbery and denied his alleged crimes When 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 charges of receiving stolen property, criminal trespass, petty theft and burglary.
He also appeared confused after his lawyer highlighted his community ties and argued that he had no previous arrests during his court appearances.
“What do you mean I have no prior arrests?” He was heard telling his lawyer after the arrest.
Meanwhile, Pitino, who previously coached the Knicks with the NBA, joked about the stolen liquor after the robbery.
“Really upset!” He wrote on X.
“Taking my memento is one thing but the 1985 6L Petrus Pomerol makes me crave!!!”
Post Bandit, 17, was charged with allegedly stealing memorabilia from legendary basketball coach Rick Pitino’s office during the freak heist. appeared first New York Post.