By Nathan Duke
Agniesika Banach, of 59-70 57th Rd. in Maspeth, was charged with robbery and attempted robbery in Nassau County's First District Court on Jan. 9, a spokeswoman for Nassau County DA Kathleen Rice said. If convicted, she could face up to 25 years in prison, she said.Six other teens were arrested in the robbery scam, including Christopher Blanco, 18, and Wally Arias, 18, of the Bronx; Ronique Simpson, 18, Khaliek Owens, 16, and Chad Greaves, 17, of Brooklyn; and George Obanyoun, 19, of Inwood, the DA's office said.They were also arraigned on robbery and attempted robbery charges and could each face up to 25 years in prison if convicted, a DA spokesman said.Banach is accused of placing advertisements on Craigslist that led to two beatings and robberies, Nassau County police said. In both incidents, she arranged the sale of nonexistent high-priced Porsche vehicles at bargain rates, police said.During the first incident, Banach set up a time via e-mail to meet a Pennsylvania couple in Freeport, L.I. around 6:15 p.m. on Nov. 26, according to the criminal complaint. The defendants pushed the victims to the ground, punched them and stole $4,800 from them, the complaint said.On Dec. 6, Banach agreed to meet two men around 5:30 p.m. in Baldwin, L.I. to sell them a Porsche, according to the complaint. Upon arrival, the defendants are believed to have punched the victims, pulled out a handgun and demanded money, it said. The defendants are alleged to have stolen $50 from the victims, the complaint said.Banach, Blanco and Arias were arrested in mid-to late December, while the other defendants were arrested on Jan. 8, police said.Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
