Kevin Williams, 34, is charged with two counts of first-degree robbery.
The first incident happened around 11 a.m. on June 13, on the C and E subway platform at Avenue of the Americas and Spring Street. Authorities say Williams grabbed a 50-year-old woman from behind, put a white cloth over her nose and mouth, threatened her with a knife and took $70 in cash before fleeing toward Sixth Avenue.
Then, four days later around the same time at the same station, police say Williams grabbed a 49-year-old woman from behind. Again, he allegedly threatened her with a knife and put a white cloth over her nose and mouth. The victim reportedly dropped her purse, and the suspect took $75 in cash before fleeing.
There were no reported injuries in either incident.
Detectives reportedly picked up Williams at the Manhattan Psychiatric Center on Wards Island after receiving a tip. He is a Level 3 sex offender with at least three prior arrests for robbery and attempted robbery.
Authorities say he served nearly five years in state prison and was just released on June 7, less than a week before he allegedly committed the first robbery.