(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that James Davender, 20, and Antoine Sims, 20, both of Wyandanch, were indicted for Kidnapping in the Second Degree and other related charges, for robbing a taxi driver that they hired to drive them from Queens to Suffolk County.
“These two defendants allegedly terrorized a hardworking taxi driver who was just trying to do his job,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Taxi drivers work long, unpredictable hours on our roads every day to provide for their families, and they should never have to fear for their lives simply because someone needs a ride. We will not tolerate such violent behavior in Suffolk County.”
According to the investigation, on April 22, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Davender and Sims allegedly ordered a taxi to take them from Far Rockaway to Wyandanch. During the trip, Davender allegedly began yelling and cursing at the driver, and repeatedly grabbed the steering wheel, forcing the vehicle to swerve and change direction. Davender and Sims also allegedly slammed the gear shift into park multiple times to stop the car.
Davender then allegedly threatened to stab the taxi driver with a folding knife unless he handed over his wallet. When the driver refused, Sims allegedly reached into the driver’s front pocket and stole approximately $60 in cash. The pair then allegedly fled on foot.
On May 13, 2026, Davender was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro for the following charges:
· Kidnapping in the Second Degree, a Class B felony;
· Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony; and
· Robbery in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony.
Justice Ambro ordered Davender held on $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond, or $500,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Davender is due back in court on June 17, 2026, and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by John Halverson, Esq.
On May 29, 2026, Sims was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz for the following charges:
• Kidnapping in the Second Degree, a Class B felony;
• Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony; and
• Robbery in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony.
Justice Horowitz ordered Sims held on $50,000 cash, $150,000 bond, or $350,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Sims is due back in court on June 10, 2026, and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Richard Kaufman, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Marissa Edelstein and Kieran R. Rogers of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Lucas McDonald of the Suffolk County Police Department’s First Squad.