Manhattan police arrest two men searching sewers for gold
Authorities detained Samuel Reveron and Kevin Rodriguez after they entered the city’s drainage system, joining a growing list of recent incursions.
By Daphne Turner ·
Police in Manhattan arrested two men this week after finding them inside the city’s sewer system. The detainees, Samuel Reveron and Kevin Rodriguez, both 25 years old, emerged from a manhole in midtown Manhattan, drawing attention from officers on duty. Both were charged with criminal trespassing.
The incident fits a pattern of unusual activity in New York’s underground infrastructure. In May 2026, video footage captured two people descending into the sewers. Since then, security cameras have recorded additional groups entering and leaving the drainage network. Officials are currently investigating whether Reveron and Rodriguez are connected to the individuals seen in those previous recordings.
When questioned by police about their presence in the tunnels, the two men stated they were looking for objects of value, specifically mentioning gold that might be trapped in the drainage system. This claim has led local media to refer to the recent spate of incidents as a gold rush in the sewers. Despite the novelty of the search, authorities describe the practice as both risky and unlikely to succeed.
New York City maintains more than 12,000 kilometers of subterranean drainage pipes. Officials warn that these environments pose serious hazards to untrained visitors. The tunnels contain accumulated toxic gases, slippery surfaces, and potential sources of infection. Entering the system without proper authorization exposes individuals to these conditions without the safety gear typically required for maintenance work.
The number of people entering the sewers has increased throughout 2026. While earlier incidents involved small groups, recent reports indicate that crews of up to 15 individuals have been documented entering the network. This trend has prompted city officials to reissue warnings to the public. They urge residents and visitors to avoid entering the infrastructure unless they have specific permission and training.
New York law imposes strict penalties for unauthorized entry into the sewer system. Individuals who move drainage covers face fines of up to $10,000. For those who manipulate the infrastructure illegally or commit trespassing, penalties can include 30 to 90 days of imprisonment. The current arrests serve as an enforcement of these statutes against those attempting to locate treasure in the city’s drainage network.
The investigation into Reveron and Rodriguez continues as police review surveillance footage from the surrounding area. Officers are comparing the timing of their entry and exit with other recorded incidents to determine if a larger group is operating in the district. The men remain in custody pending further review of the criminal trespass charges.
