A Mount Vernon man admitted in federal court today to terrorizing four livery cab drivers at knifepoint before stealing their vehicles, cash, and personal property in a string of violent robberies across the Bronx and Mount Vernon. Allanmon Mavumkal, 30, pled guilty to four counts of Hobbs Act robbery in Manhattan federal court, each carrying a maximum 20-year prison sentence.
The spree unfolded over two days in September 2017, culminating in a brazen hijacking captured on dashcam footage. On September 21, Mavumkal flagged a cab in the Bronx and directed the driver to a remote drop-off. Once there, he brandished a large knife, ordered the driver out, and drove off with the vehicle. Surveillance video shows the weapon clearly in hand as the driver fled in panic.
The day before, on September 20, Mavumkal struck three other drivers in similar fashion—using threats, intimidation, and a knife to commandeer their cabs. All incidents occurred in high-traffic areas where drivers believed they were accepting routine fares. Instead, they faced violence at the hands of a man who exploited their trust for profit and escape.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman didn’t mince words: “As he admitted today, Allanmon Mavumkal terrorized four livery cab drivers with a knife, robbing them of their money and cars. Now Mavumkal is facing significant prison time for his violent acts.” Federal prosecutors emphasized the premeditated nature of the crimes, noting Mavumkal targeted vulnerable workers operating late-night shifts.
Mavumkal appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker, where he entered his guilty plea without a plea agreement. The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the New York City Police Department, whose joint efforts traced vehicle movements, analyzed video, and linked Mavumkal to all four attacks.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin V. Rodriguez of the Southern District of New York’s General Crimes Unit. While Congress mandates up to 20 years per count, the final sentence will be determined by the presiding judge. For now, Mavumkal remains in federal custody awaiting sentencing.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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