Abdallah Diaby, a 21-year-old fashion model, was arrested and charged in connection with a December 1 heist at the upscale 4Gseller boutique on Spring Street in SoHo.
The incident, which was caught on video, involved four masked individuals breaking into the store and stealing over $1 million in high-end designer merchandise.
The stolen goods reportedly included 20 St. Laurent jackets, 30 expensive handbags, 20 designer belts, and other sought-after items.
Diaby was released without bail following his arrest on February 19, a decision that has sparked controversy among law enforcement and the business community.
Diaby was linked to the break-in through security camera footage. Meanwhile, the other three suspects involved in the brazen theft remain at large and are actively being sought by authorities, according to statements released by both police and prosecutors.
4Gseller owner Tommy Macari recounted the well-executed heist, noting that the thieves seemed to have planned extensively. During the interview after the theft, he mentioned the crew wore construction gear and headlamps, with a spotter and getaway driver waiting outside.
“Kind of like the movies, to be honest,” Macari recalled, according to the New York Post. “They took a lot of one of one, high-end merchandise. So, basically brands like Chrome Hearts and St. Laurent, a lot of custom pieces. They were just dropping them off the balcony and someone was running it to the car.”
Store security footage captured the entire heist.
Diaby, a fashion model who grew up in the Bronx, is accustomed to being photographed. He is represented by TWO MGMT, a Big Apple agency with clients in high-end advertising and catalogs.
READ ALSO: ‘Bling bishop’ who made headlines after $1M jewelry heist sentenced to nine years
Diaby was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday on charges of grand larceny, burglary, and criminal possession of stolen property. Following the arraignment, he was released under supervision but without bail.
In court, he wore designer sneakers that go for up to $300 on the resale market, suggesting that despite his legal troubles, he still maintains a high-end lifestyle.
Defense attorney Ollen argued against Diaby’s post-release supervision, emphasizing that the model had voluntarily returned to New York from a professional modeling job in California to surrender to police and face the charges.
“If he wanted to flee, he had a 300,000 mile head start,” Ollen stated.
Non-violent crimes, such as the alleged theft mentioned, are currently not eligible for bail under the state’s controversial criminal justice statutes.
READ ALSO: Pastor of $1M jewelry heist sued by church member
