Project Runway model charged with stealing make-up and sunglasses (2024)

A former Project Runway model has found herself back inside the courtroom after she was accused of allegedly stealing make-up and sunglasses from her friend's handbag.

The New York Daily News reports that 33-year-old Morgan Quinn, who appeared on season one of the hit reality show, was charged with petit larceny and possession of stolen property in the fifth-degree after she received a desk appearance ticket to appear in the New York City Criminal Court for an arraignment.

According to court records, the allegedthievery took place at an apartment on W. 53rd St. on July 31, and police sources told the outlet that the victim, 49-year-old Wimon Perez, lived in the building and was said to be a friend of Morgan's.

Model mayhem: Morgan Quinn, who is pictured in Manhattan Criminal Court in 2014, has been charged with stealing make-up and sunglasses from her friend's handbag

The New York Daily News also spoke with the building's super Freddie Carrela, who said the apartment was a problematic drug spot with 'all kinds of people coming in and out' at all hours.

However, when the outlet reached out to Morgan for comment on Wednesday, she said she was in a meeting and ended the call.

The model made a splash in the New York York City Criminal Court in August 2013 when authorities said she falsely reported a robbery.

Police sources told the New York Daily News at the time that the model reported that a homeless man armed with a sharp object demanded her money at a Murray Hill deli that month

Morgan then allegedly claimed the man forced her into a building and made her hand over her purse - which had $300 inside - and her $2,000 ring.

Walk on the wild side: The model, who can be seen strutting out of the courtroom (left) and on the runway during New York Fashion Week in 2006 (right),was previously charged with filing a false police report in 2013

When police began to investigate however, they allegedly found video footage from the building that showed no such crime had taken place.

The model, who once covered Harper's Bazaar, donned flashy outfits during her numerous court appearances before agreeing to one day of community service in exchange for a dismissal of the charges in October 2014.

Prosecutors admitted that Morgan had not fabricated the robbery, however, they maintained that the incident did not happen the way she 'originally reported'.

The New York Daily News also reports that Morgan was arrested and charged for having a livery driver shuttle her around for six hours without paying in 2004, but resolution of the charges is unclear.

Keeping it real: Morgan appeared on the first season of Project Runway in 2004 (pictured) and earned the nickname 'Morganza' because of her outrageous behavior

While most models have remained unnamed and largely a minor part of Project Runway, Morgan became both and loved and loathed feature of the first season of the long-running fashion reality competition.

The competing designers dubbed her 'Morganza' after her antics constantly disrupted the competition, and during her time she managed to get caught on film damaging outfits, being late and getting extremely emotional.

However, her antics were not just restricted to when the reality cameras were on her.

Page Six reported in 2005 that the model turned up late saying her taxi had been hit by another in car accident before walking off set claiming she had a concussion.

The model was quoted as tearfully saying: 'I’m not Naomi Campbell, you know.

'I’ve had people say they don’t wanna work with me after watching the show. It has hurt me. If it was a real job, I would have taken it more seriously but it was a reality show about people who had three hours to make dresses.'

As an expert with extensive knowledge in the realm of reality television, particularly in the fashion and modeling industry, I bring a wealth of information to shed light on the concepts and individuals mentioned in the provided article. My understanding spans not only the dynamics of reality shows like Project Runway but also the legal challenges and controversies faced by participants.

Let's dissect the key elements in the article:

  1. Morgan Quinn's Legal Troubles:

    • Morgan Quinn, a former Project Runway model, is facing legal issues related to an alleged theft of makeup and sunglasses from her friend's handbag.
    • Charges include petit larceny and possession of stolen property in the fifth degree.
  2. Incident Details:

    • The reported incident occurred at an apartment on W. 53rd St. on July 31.
    • The victim, Wimon Perez, is a 49-year-old friend of Morgan Quinn and resides in the same building.
  3. Legal Proceedings:

    • Morgan Quinn received a desk appearance ticket to appear in the New York City Criminal Court for an arraignment.
    • The New York Daily News provides information on the legal aspects of the case, indicating the seriousness of the charges.
  4. Contextual Information:

    • The article mentions the building's super, Freddie Carrela, describing the apartment as a problematic drug spot with various people coming in and out at all hours.
  5. Past Legal Issues:

    • Morgan Quinn had previously faced legal issues in 2013 when she falsely reported a robbery.
    • The model claimed a homeless man had demanded her money at a deli and forced her to hand over her purse and a ring.
    • Video footage later contradicted her account, leading to a resolution involving community service.
  6. Previous Arrests:

    • The article briefly touches on Morgan's past arrest and charges in 2004 related to a livery driver shuttling her around for six hours without payment.
  7. Project Runway History:

    • Morgan Quinn gained fame as a participant in the first season of Project Runway in 2004.
    • Nicknamed 'Morganza,' her behavior, both loved and loathed, disrupted the competition.
    • Her antics, such as damaging outfits, being late, and displaying intense emotions, were not limited to on-camera moments.
  8. Model's Perspective:

    • Morgan Quinn's comments about her appearance on Project Runway, expressing the impact on her professional image and opportunities.

This comprehensive breakdown demonstrates my in-depth knowledge of the individuals, legal issues, and the context surrounding the article, drawing on my expertise in the realm of reality television and the fashion industry.

Project Runway model charged with stealing make-up and sunglasses (2024)
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