Former NYC Pizza Worker Accused of Trying to Free Alleged CEO Killer Sent Back to Same Jail

Mark Anderson, who allegedly posed as an FBI agent to try to spring Luigi Mangione, was returned to the Metropolitan Detention Center where Mangione awaits trial.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 7:39am

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Mark Anderson, a 36-year-old former pizza worker, was sent back to the same Brooklyn jail as accused killer Luigi Mangione after allegedly posing as an FBI agent in an attempt to free Mangione. Prosecutors cited Anderson's lengthy criminal record, including past convictions on robbery, burglary and narcotics charges, as well as the fact that he had weapons on him - a pizza cutter and BBQ fork - when he approached the jail's intake area claiming to have a judge's order to spring the accused killer.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges authorities face in dealing with repeat offenders and individuals with mental health issues who may pose a threat to public safety. It also raises questions about security protocols at detention facilities and the measures taken to prevent unauthorized access or release of inmates.

The details

Anderson was swiftly returned to the Metropolitan Detention Center, the same lockup where Mangione awaits trial for allegedly executing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Prosecutors noted that Anderson 'had weapons on him' - a pizza cutter and BBQ fork - when he approached the facility's intake area and claimed to have a judge's 'order' to spring the accused killer. Magistrate Judge Seth Eichenholtz ruled to keep Anderson locked up after his public defender declined to apply for bail.

  • On February 17, 2026, Anderson was brought before a judge and pleaded not guilty to impersonating an FBI agent.

The players

Mark Anderson

A 36-year-old former pizza worker who has a lengthy criminal record including past convictions on robbery, burglary and narcotics charges, and has also been arrested several times on weapons charges in The Bronx in recent months.

Luigi Mangione

The accused killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center where Anderson was also sent.

Brandon Davis

The prosecutor who noted that Anderson 'had weapons on him' when he approached the jail's intake area.

Seth Eichenholtz

The magistrate judge who ruled to keep Anderson locked up after his public defender declined to apply for bail.

Michael Weil

Anderson's public defender who declined to apply for a bail package for his client.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges authorities face in dealing with repeat offenders and individuals with mental health issues who may pose a threat to public safety, as well as the need for robust security protocols at detention facilities to prevent unauthorized access or release of inmates.