Huntington Station man banned from LIRR arrested again after boarding train

A Huntington Station man, who last month became the first customer banned from riding the Long Island Rail Road as part of a plea deal for sexually assaulting a train conductor, was rearrested Wednesday after he was spotted boarding a train in Deer Park, police and prosecutors said.

Michael Harewood, 47, pleaded not guilty Thursday to second-degree criminal contempt and fourth-degree criminal trespassing, both misdemeanors.

Harewood is due back in court Dec. 15 where District Judge Pierce Cohalan will determine whether his latest arrest amounted to a violation of conditional discharge — essentially breaking the terms of his earlier sentencing — and potentially exposing him to additional jail time.

An MTA conductor snapped a photo of Harewood on board a westbound LIRR train at Deer Park on Dec. 2 and filed a complaint with MTA Police, transit officials said. MTA Police arrested Harewood Wednesday at the LIRR station in Hicksville, officials said. 

Harewood, who was released on his own recognizance at his arraignment in First District Court in Central Islip, conceded outside of court that he violated the LIRR ban.

"I needed to get my phone and I needed to get my medication," Harewood told reporters after the hearing. "Things are better now. Things are much better."

MTA Police said Harewood forcibly touched a female conductor without her consent while on a LIRR train on Aug. 20. He was arrested Sept. 6.

Harewood pleaded guilty to third-degree sexual abuse and was sentenced to 60 days in jail. Prosecutors agreed to drop 11 other outstanding misdemeanor cases against Harewood. 

As part of his plea agreement, Harewood was banned from traveling on any LIRR train in Suffolk County for the next two years and was prevented from having any contact with the female conductor in the case.

A 2020 state law allows the MTA to ban individuals from riding any part of the transit system for up to three years for sexually assaulting passengers or employees or physically assaulting MTA staff.

In a statement, MTA Police Chief John Mueller said individuals "who prey on employees and riders forfeit the privilege of using MTA facilities. These bans work."

Anthony Simon, who leads Sheet Metal Air Rail Transportation, the LIRR’s largest union, agreed.

"The message must be sent that if you assault MTA employees, are arrested and banned, that the MTA will see it through and ensure you will receive proper punishment," Simon said in a statement. 

Michael Ross, who represented Harewood during his arraignment Thursday, argued that it's unfair for his client to be charged with both criminal contempt and to face a potential resentencing next week for violating the court's order, as they amount to the same charge. 

"They're duplicative," Ross said, asking the court to drop the criminal contempt charge. 

Cohalan said he'll rule on the matter during the Dec. 15 appearance.

Meanwhile, Harewood said he's hoping to travel out of town for the holidays.

Asked how he was getting home Thursday, Harewood replied "I'm getting on the bus. No more trains."

With Alfonso A. Castillo