Ex-Mets clubhouse manager case adjourned
Former Mets clubhouse manager Charlie Samuels, center, is escorted as he arrives for his arraignment at the Queens County Courthouse. (May 11, 2011) Credit: AP
The case against former Mets clubhouse manager Charlie Samuels for allegedly stealing $2.3 million worth of memorabilia from the team was adjourned Thursday until Sept. 26.
During a brief hearing at State Supreme Court in Queens, Judge Fernando Camacho met privately at his desk with Samuels' attorney, Michael Bachner, and assistant district attorney Christine Maloney before announcing the adjournment. The judge did not give a reason for the adjournment.
Samuels, who is free on $75,000 bail, attended the hearing but did not speak. He is charged with first-degree criminal possession of stolen property, third-degree grand larceny, first-degree falsifying business records, third-degree criminal tax fraud and other crimes and could face up to 25 years in prison.
The Mets fired Samuels in November "for conduct in violation of club policies," the team said at the time.
According to Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown, police recovered 1,673 items, including 507 jerseys, 304 hats, 828 baseballs, 22 helmets, 10 equipment bags and two storage boxes that belonged to the Mets. Bachner has said Samuels was authorized to take the items home.
Samuels, 53, of Arverne, Queens, was hired by the Mets in 1976 and worked in the clubhouse for 27 seasons. He also acted as the team's equipment manager and traveling secretary.
