STAPLETON — The man who kissed a woman then demanded money from her on a Staten Island street last month was arrested and charged this week, police and prosecutors said.
Justin Messado, 16, was arrested on Thursday for the September incident and was linked to another robbery in October, prosecutors said.
On Sept. 1, Messado stopped an 18-year-old woman on Vanderbilt Avenue, near Irving Place, at about 2:50 p.m. then brought her to another location where he forcibly kissed her and groped her, prosecutors said.
Messado then stole $10 from the victim's hand and fled the scene.
On Oct. 5, Messado wrestled a 17-year-old man to the ground and took his cellphone and wallet near Bay Street and Virginia Avenue at about 3:20 p.m., prosecutors said.
When the victim tried to get his property back, Messado pulled a knife on him then walked the victim to an ATM and made him take out money in exchange for the wallet and phone, police said.
Messado was charged with robbery, sexually motivated felony and forcible touching at his arraignment, the Staten Island District Attorney's office said.
He was released without bail and is due back in court on Wednesday, according to online court records.
Messado's lawyer did not immediately be respond to a request for comment.
