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Serial Subway Pervert Arrested After Pantless Reign Of Terror
By
Jen Chung
Published Sep 29, 2017
Modified Sep 29, 2017
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By
Jen Chung
Published Sep 29, 2017
Modified Sep 29, 2017
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The suspect wanted for three incidents where he "exposed his groin area" to female R train riders has been arrested. Kenneth Hoyt, a registered sex offender who had been arrested for flashing women on the subway 11 years ago, turned himself in earlier this week.
In August and September, a man wearing only a long camouflage shirt allegedly lifted his top to flash women in three separate incidents. The police released security camera footage of him, prompting his past victims to call the NYPD tips line.
One woman recalled her encounter with him, saying, "He was shifting in his seat, and I look down, and he was literally inches from me. So I was completely terrified. It looked like he was reaching out. I didn’t know what to do."
Hoyt, who was convicted of a non-felony sex offense with a 13-year-old girl in 1987, managed to dodge charges for the 2006 incidents (including one where a victim identified him because his URL was on his jacket), apparently because of the Manhattan D.A.'s office missing a deadline.
According to DNAInfo, his mother wrote a letter to a federal judge, asking for leniency when Hoyt failed to register as a sex offender in 2013, "Ken is a talker, loves to read self-improvement books (e.g. health, finance, nutrition), likes to work out every day, and keeps busy by staying active... Kenneth has always been a peaceful person [who] tends to support 'the underdog' as a child he stood up to bullies."
Betty Hoyt, who was then 86, added, "In the brief time I have remaining, I would like an opportunity, as soon as possible, to once again share a household with Kenneth, for the opportunity to exert my influence in re-directing every portion of his life to bring an upright citizen in every regard, to reinforce the fine qualities he already has, and to re-assure him he has a future with hope... Ken has shared his regrets about actions that have gotten him into trouble."
Hoyt was charged with violating his parole in federal court (he reportedly turned himself in during a probation hearing on Monday). He's awaiting charges for the subway incidents.
If you see or experience sexual misconduct in the subway (this includes seeing a masturbator, being groped, being grinded on, etc.), you can report it to the MTA and police on this website. There's also a place for you to upload photos and/or video. Don't let the perverts win.
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arrest
Kenneth hoyt
r train
subway pervert
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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