STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — In July 2023, a Tompkinsville man accused of robbing his local deli was relieved of the top charges in the case after a store worker had second thoughts on the witness stand.
Months later, the same defendant was arrested again for an alleged robbery incident at a different deli in his neighborhood. He pleaded guilty in that case and did four months in jail.
The same defendant — Jorgie Ortiz, 31, of Victory Boulevard in Tompkinsville — has since been arrested six more times.
Ortiz, who is currently facing charges including grand larceny, misdemeanor assault and harassment, is due back in court Dec. 11, court records show.
His attorney declined to comment.
‘24 grand larceny case
Among Ortiz’ five open cases in Criminal Court, two involve allegations of domestic violence. In one case, he’s accused of assaulting a police officer.
The sixth open case involves felony charges and is being heard in state Supreme Court, St. George.
In the felony incident, Ortiz is accused of stealing a car in New Brighton and crashing it 10 minutes later on Victory Boulevard in neighboring Tompkinsville, near his listed home address. A woman in another vehicle was injured in the crash, according to a criminal complaint.
Judge Alexander B. Jeong adjourned that case to Jan. 21 in state Supreme Court, St. George, records show.
Armed brawl with deli workers
In 2023, Ortiz was indicted on robbery charges after brawling with deli workers in front of other customers inside 49 Victory Blvd. He said they refused him store credit.
A worker, whose family owns the business, would later testify that Ortiz already owed them money and they could no longer extend the courtesy.
At trial, jurors watched surveillance footage showing the defendant enter the store brandishing a pair of metal nunchucks, then attempt to walk out with a yogurt cup.
A young man working the counter and his father chased after Ortiz as things became violent near the front entrance as witnesses looked on. The defense disputed the robbery charge.
“This is a case about yogurt,” submitted defense attorney John Signoriello. “A drunk young man who tries to take a yogurt. A $2.99 cup of yogurt. Who was it that truly had the intent to hurt someone?”
Following Ortiz’ arrest in that case, authorities said he also head-butted a male police officer in the face while he was being processed at the 120th Precinct stationhouse.
Witness had second thoughts
The 24-year-old deli worker involved in the 2023 incident took the witness stand at trial, describing his version of events. ‘
In cross-examination, Signoriello pressed him on surveillance footage showing him pursuing the defendant from behind, then holding Ortiz on the floor.
Moments later, the worker stated loud enough for the jury to hear that he felt the charges should be dismissed. Then a juror told the court they could no longer remain objective.
Justice Alexander B. Jeong suggested prosecutors make an offer to the defendant, which resulted in a plea to lesser charges and 10 months jail.