Thursday, 4:30 PM
New Yorkers charged with scalping bogus World Series tickets at Fenway
By Andrew Ryan, Globe Staff
Even though the Yankees fell short, it seems some New Yorkers still couldn't resist trying to spoil a World Series at Fenway Park.
Police arrested four New York residents last night before Game 1 and charged them with selling fake World Series tickets and scalping seats for $300 a pair, police and prosecutors said. One of the men -- Jamel Bennett, 31, of Bronx, N.Y. -- allegedly took a swing at officers who approached him and another man about selling bogus tickets at 7 p.m. near Boylston and Hereford streets.
Bennett pleaded not guilty today in Boston Municipal Court to charges of assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, larceny over $250 (stemming from counterfeit tickets), a peddling violation (stemming from counterfeit tickets), occupying the street for resale of tickets, and possession of marijuana.
At the same time, officers also arrested Wendell Baker, 43, of Bronx, N.Y., who pleaded not guilty today to ticket resale by owner, occupying the street for resale of tickets, peddling without a license, and possession of marijuana. Both men were ordered held on $2,500 bail.
Earlier Wednesday night, officers in plain clothes were approached by two men from Albany, N.Y., who said, according to police: "You guys want tickets ... I got two for $300." The officers arrested Anthony Hicks, 30, and Michael Williams, 40. Both men pleaded not guilty to ticket scalping and were released on personal recognizance.
