Brooklyn, N.Y. – Federal prosecutors on Thursday announced charges against former FBI special agent Andrew Reyes, 30, for allegedly striking a pedestrian on Ocean Parkway, dragging the injured man onto a bench, and then falsifying his statements to investigators.
Incident and alleged cover‑up
According to the indictment, Reyes was driving a government‑issued vehicle the wrong way down the six‑lane Ocean Parkway south of Prospect Park on February 3 when he ran a red light and hit a man crossing the street. The impact left the victim unconscious. Prosecutors say Reyes activated his car’s emergency lights, exited the vehicle, and dragged the victim, along with the victim’s bag, onto a nearby bench before fleeing the scene.
Reyes later denied any involvement in a hit‑and‑run when questioned by the Justice Department Inspector General’s office on May 1. During that interview he made an offhand remark about what an investigator would do if he seized the investigator’s gun, a comment prosecutors described as “very odd.”
Legal proceedings
Reyes entered a not‑guilty plea to charges of willfully depriving an individual of constitutional rights while acting under color of law and making false statements. He was released on a $100,000 bond co‑signed by his parents, with whom he lives. The bond conditions require him to surrender his passport and limit travel to New York and New Jersey.
A magistrate judge declined prosecutors’ request for a mental‑health evaluation, noting the odd gun comment but finding no basis to order an assessment. Reyes is scheduled to appear in court again on December 2.
Agency response
The FBI confirmed it learned of the alleged conduct in April and promptly terminated Reyes’ employment. In a statement, the New York field office said, “This employee demonstrated an utter disregard for human life and the rule of law and did not uphold the values of this organization.” U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella added that the charges “send a clear message that no one is above the law and those who abuse their position of trust will be prosecuted.”
Background
Reyes had served with the FBI for more than nine years, becoming a special agent in 2023. Since leaving the bureau, he has been working for a home‑remodeling business. The pedestrian who was struck has not been publicly identified and was not present at the arraignment.
The case is being tried in federal court rather than state court because of Reyes’ federal employment, use of a government vehicle, and alleged false statements to Justice Department investigators.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
