Man Pleads Not Guilty To Hate Crime Charges In Mugging Of Teen Without Arms

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Prosecutors say a New Yorker accused of stealing a phone from a teenager born without arms has been indicted on hate crime charges.

Vincent Popalardo pleaded not guilty Wednesday at his arraignment on robbery and assault charges -- both as hate crimes.

Authorities say Popalardo and two juveniles attacked 18-year-old Carlos Simon outside of a Dunkin' Donuts on Nov. 30. The group made off with Simon's cellphone.

"I just feel I was at the wrong place at the wrong time," Carlos Simon told CBS2's Dave Carlin in January.

Authorities say Popalardo is facing a hate crime charge because the group allegedly targeted Simon based on his disability.

"It's really messed up to target people like me specifically," Simon said. "I guess I could use the word cowardice, to use that many people on somebody who supposedly can't fight back."

Popalardo was arrested on Jan. 6 in Erie, Pennsylvania. The two juveniles are facing charges in Family Court.

Popalardo's attorney did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

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