Brooklyn scrap metal robber pleads guilty to violating probation

August 29, 2017 By Paul Frangipane Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Chang Feng Scrap Metal at 89 19th St. in Brooklyn, where Antonio Pabon attempted to rob a “precious metal.” © 2017 Google

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A man who previously spent years in prison for an armed robbery of a Brooklyn scrap metal shop pleaded guilty Tuesday to violating his supervised release by calling a woman who had a restraining order against him.

“I had a restraining order against me, sir, and I called the victim,” Antonio Pabon told Federal Judge Brian Cogan in Brooklyn’s federal court.

Pabon immediately looked to his 72-year-old mother in the court audience and smiled as court marshals escorted him to his seat.

Pabon was originally arrested in 2008 for an armed robbery of Chang Feng International, a scrap metal shop at 89 19th St. in Brooklyn.

He arrived at the shop with two others, equipped with two guns, gloves, zip ties and bandanas covering their faces, according to court filings.

His co-defendants told police that Pabon planned to steal a “precious metal” that could go for about $7,000 to $15,000.

Platinum from catalytic converters is a common jewel for scrap thieves, as it can be sold for thousands of dollars.

Pabon pleaded guilty and was sentenced to eight years in prison on March 25, 2011, but got out early.

Because Pabon was taking care of his mother, he sent a letter to Cogan asking the judge to consider his mother’s needs.

“The thought of me going back to prison worrys [sic] my mother even more,” Pabon wrote to the judge. “She believes i [sic] will not be there if something happens to her.”

Pabon is currently being held in custody awaiting his sentencing.

While the judge was picking a sentencing date, Pabon looked to his mother and whispered, “I love you.”

He is set to be sentenced on Sept. 13.