Just to be clear, that’s an actual quote from Ray Kelly, from a statement on the day that former Mets equipment manager Charlie Samuels was indicted on charges that he criminally possessed nearly $2.3 million in memorabilia. “This is a case of the equipment manager leading the National League in steals,” said the police commissioner. Wordplay!
What began as a gambling investigation later focused on Samuels’s alleged theft of memorabilia, and Samuels is also charged with embezzling $24,955 from the Mets by submitting inflated expense claims, and for failing to report or pay taxes on more than $200,000 in tips and dues in 2008 and 2009. So what exactly did Samuels allegedly possess criminally? Via the News:
Included in Samuels’ massive memorabilia heist were 507 signed and unsigned jerseys, 304 hats, 828 bats, 22 batting helmets and 10 equipment bags seized from the basement of the friend’s house in Madison, CT.
But, you probably weren’t wondering, were any of those jerseys related to that emotional first game at Shea Stadium after 9/11? Why yes, says the district attorney. From ESPN New York:
Included in Samuels’ massive memorabilia heist were 507 signed and unsigned jerseys, 304 hats, 828 bats, 22 batting helmets and 10 equipment bags seized from the basement of the friend’s house in Madison, CT.
According to the twenty-count indictment, Samuels could spend between 8 1/3 and 25 years in prison.
Charlie Samuels indicted in Queens [ESPN New York]
Charlie Samuels, former Mets clubhouse manager, arrested for alleged $2.3M equipment theft [NYDN]