Four men indicted in alleged plot to use Molotov cocktails in firebomb attack released due to bail reform
Police allegedly saw two Molotov cocktails in the rear side door, along with a gasoline can. During a search, officers allegedly recovered a mask and lighter from a bag inside the vehicle.
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Four men indicted Wednesday in an alleged plot to firebomb a man’s vehicle have been released because the charges are not eligible for bail under New York law, according to prosecutors.
Elvis Osvaldo Romero Martinez, 20, a Salvadoran national, Albert Yanes Moran, 20, a Salvadoran national, Lorenzo Nohely Alvarado Navarette, 18, a Salvadoran national and lawful permanent resident, and Lester Merino Avila, 18, a Honduran national, were indicted and charged with conspiracy for allegedly possessing and planning to use two Molotov cocktails to firebomb a vehicle.
According to investigators, the alleged plot unfolded between March 9 and March 10, when the defendants got materials to make the incendiary devices and planned to target a mechanic’s car following a dispute over repair work.
Prosecutors say the group met early on March 10 near Pilgrim Psychiatric Center, where they allegedly assembled the Molotov cocktails using beer bottles and gasoline.
Authorities allege that Merino Avila then drove to Lexington Avenue in Brentwood with another man to find the target, while the remaining defendants followed in another vehicle. Suffolk County police later stopped the car, and the driver moved into the back seat.
Police allegedly saw two Molotov cocktails in the rear side door, along with a gasoline can. During a search, officers allegedly recovered a mask and lighter from a bag inside the vehicle.
Prosecutors also said a review of the men's cellphones showed messages talking about plans to get Molotov cocktail materials and carry out the attack.
The four men were arraigned Tuesday and Wednesday but because the charges are not bail-eligible, they were released following their arraignments.
