Pleading to S.I. hate crime, defendant, 19, will do jail time with chance at redemption (2024)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — If he stays out of trouble, a 19-year-old defendant who pleaded guilty this week to a hate crime on Staten Island could be granted a clean slate.

But first, Thomas Agoglia, of Lovell Avenue in New Springville, will have to serve out six months on Rikers Island and abide by the conditions of probation, now and after his release.

Agoglia pleaded guilty Tuesday before Justice Lisa Grey in state Supreme Court, St. George, to menacing as a hate crime in connection with the Oct. 2, 2023 incident.

Police said Agoglia was part of a group that brandished what appeared to be a gun at a Jewish man dressed in orthodox clothing in Meiers Corners. He also has open cases in Criminal Court for other, alleged acts of mischief and violent behavior.

The other cases, heard in Criminal Court, were rolled into the plea bargain finalized Tuesday in state Supreme Court.

Grey told the defendant she’ll consider sentencing him as a minor, thereby offering a chance at a clean record as an adult. Her decision will hinge in part on the defendant’s pre-sentencing interview with probation, in which the incident and the role he played will be further discussed.

Defense attorney Louis Gelormino asked the sentencing date be held off for as long as the court would allow, so his client could attend a family wedding and tend to other family obligations.

Grey adjourned the case to Aug. 5 to the satisfaction of the defense.

The defendant exited the courtroom with his mother.

After the hearing, Gelormino issued a statement saying his client is a “polite, respectful young man who by taking this plea took full accountability for his actions.

“He apologizes and wishes all people of the Jewish faith peace and happiness.”

District Attorney Michael E. McMahon issued the following statement:

“At a time when acts of anti Semitism are on the rise both here at home and across the globe, Thomas Agoglia committed an unprovoked, insensitive and criminal act of hate against a Jewish Staten Islander last October.

Using hateful language and an imitation pistol to intimidate and instill fear in his victim, this shameful defendant targeted one of our neighbors purely because of his appearance and the way he worships.

Our Jewish brothers and sisters, and in fact all Staten Islanders, deserve to live free of fear and hatred simply because of who they are and I am proud to continue my office’s longstanding policy that once indicted on a hate crime, the defendant must plead guilty to that charge or risk facing trial.

We express our sincere gratitude to our partners in the NYPD for their diligent attention and assistance on this case and to Assistant District Attorney Ahkianne Wanliss for holding this defendant accountable and ensuring that hate has no home in our borough.”

‘WE’RE GOING TO GET YOU’

Authorities said it was around 11:15 p.m. in the vicinity of Sunset Avenue and Harold Street, when the victim, a Jewish man who was wearing traditional religious clothing while riding on a scooter, was threatened by Agoglia and two unapprehended individuals.

The criminal complaint quotes Agoglia as saying, “We’re going to get you.”

His actions were “based on the defendant’s perception regarding informant’s religion,” and caused the victim to experience fear of physical safety, annoyance and alarm, according to a criminal complaint.

At the time of his arrest, Agoglia also stood accused of flipping a classic car in Rossville with other individuals, and prior to that assaulting a person with a broom in Graniteville.

SECOND ARREST IN CAR FLIPPING

In November 2023, a second individual was arrested in connection with the car flipping incident, court documents show.

Dominic Romano, 19, of the 300 block of Aspen Knolls Way in Greenridge, pleaded not guilty to felony charges of second and third degree criminal mischief.

His attorney, Leo Duval, declined to comment.

He’s due back in court June 6.