(TNND) — Two Queens men are facing trespassing charges after authorities say they were spotted emerging from a New York City manhole near Park Avenue and East 61st Street early Wednesday, triggering a heightened police response in a sensitive area as the United Nations General Assembly gets underway.
Samuel Reveron, 25, and Kevin Rodriguez, 26, were each charged with two counts of trespassing, according to a criminal complaint. Authorities said the men told investigators they entered the sewer together to look for valuables washed into storm drains and sewers.
The incident happened about 1:38 a.m. near a hotel where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had stayed during prior New York visits. Police increased their response because of the U.N. General Assembly and the location’s sensitivity.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly at U.N. Headquarters on September 24, 2026 in New York City. World leaders have gathered in New York for the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly, with this year’s global issues ranging from the threat of artificial intelligence to the continued wars in Ukraine and Gaza. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Investigators used surveillance video and license plate reader data to identify vehicles connected to the incident, according to court records. The complaint said the men were seen getting into vehicles around 4 a.m. and driving over the Queensboro Bridge.
Reveron’s attorney denied any nefarious motive or connection to the U.N. or Netanyahu. Rodriguez’s attorney declined comment.
Both men were released after pleading not guilty at a Friday court hearing, according to BBC reporting.
Police said the case appears to match a recent pattern of unauthorized sewer entries by people seeking valuables or scrap metal, but no charges have been announced connecting Reveron or Rodriguez to earlier sewer-entry incidents.