An unlicensed livery cab driver was busted after he allegedly lied to JFK Airport passengers by telling them the AirTrain wasn’t running and that he was a Super Shuttle driver, according to the Queens District Attorney’s office.
Barnabas Laurent, 47, of Brentwood, Long Island, has been arraigned on charges of third-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, second-degree criminal impersonation, third-degree criminal trespass and unlawful solicitation of ground transportation, District Attorney Richard Brown announced Monday.
Laurent was allegedly spotted approaching several passengers at the airport’s arrivals section in Terminal 1 on Saturday to try to solicit fares. According to the criminal complaint, he falsely told passengers that the AirTrain wasn’t working and said that he was a Super Shuttle driver. Laurent then offered to take them to the Jamaica train station or elsewhere.
Inside Laurent’s vehicle, a Super Shuttle rate book, receipt books and other material with the Super Shuttle logo were allegedly found.
“It is important that travelers visiting New York City are provided with a safe and welcoming atmosphere at our airports,” Brown said. “Unregulated taxis and unscrupulous drivers — who are not properly licensed and do not carry appropriate insurance — put riders at risk.”
Laurent, who faces up to a year in jail if convicted, is being held in lieu of $500 bail.
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