Hazlet Home Burglarized In Ring Targeting Asians In NJ: Feds

HAZLET, NJ - Eight members of an interstate burglary crew were charged for their roles in a conspiracy that targeted homeowners of Asian descent for residential burglaries, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced Tuesday.

The eight members, who hailed from both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, were responsible for more than 50 home burglaries, including at least one in Hazlet, prosecutors said.

Searches of two members’ residences revealed tens of thousands of dollars in United States currency and currency from Asian countries, jewelry, family heirlooms, and other valuables that were previously reported stolen by victims. While searching vehicles used in the commission of burglaries, authorities recovered notes containing the home addresses of individuals of Asian descent with derogatory terms to describe the ethnicity of the homeowners.

Three actors were arrested in Old Bridge and one man, Randi Barr of Irvington, was arrested in Hazlet during in-progress burglaries. The eight individuals named are:

• Rabine Armour of Easton, P.A.
• Kevin Burton of Newark, N.J.
• Kevin Jackson of Rahway, N.J.
• Thomas Rodgers of Newark, N.J.
• James Hurt of Tobyhanna, P.A.
• Sherman Glasco of Bethlehem, P.A.
• Randi Barr of Irvington, N.J.
• Terrance Black of Irvington N.J.

All eight have been charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. Burton is also charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and conspiring with Keesha Davis of Elizabeth, to tamper with evidence.

"As alleged in the complaint, these defendants were part of a sophisticated, multi-state burglary crew that targeted the homes of business owners of Asian descent, intending to steal the cash proceeds of their businesses as well as jewelry, foreign currency, and other property,” Acting U.S. Attorney Honig said.

“A comprehensive investigation led by our partners at the FBI and aided by the cooperation of local law enforcement revealed the links among over 50 residential burglaries and thereby uncovered this scheme. As a result of this careful investigative work, the defendants now face federal charges for their actions.”

“These defendants allegedly carried out a brazen conspiracy based on stereotype and opportunity,” Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. said. “It is fitting that these arrests come at a time when society is raising awareness regarding crimes against our Asian-American citizens. FBI-Newark appreciates the strong relationship with our law enforcement partners. To that end, I want to thank the South Plainfield Police Department and Middlesex County Prosecutor's office for initiating the investigation, and the police departments of New Castle County, Delaware, Eatontown, Edison, Hazlet and the Old Bridge for their investigative assistance leading to these burglary interruptions.”

Authorities later learned that members often entered homes via unsecured second-floor windows and victims’ cars were burglarized at their respective places of business in order to ascertain the homeowners’ addresses from the vehicles’ documents. Makeshift trackers were placed on victims’ vehicles before the crew looked for indications of occupancy of homes by individuals of Asian descent. Once inside, the crew sought out cash, jewelry and firearms.

The charge of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the amount of money involved in the offense, whichever is greater.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited FBI Newark’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office and the South Plainfield, South Whitehall, Eatontown, New York City, Edison, Hazlet, Kenilworth, New Castle County, Pocono Township, Sayreville, Old Bridge and Spotswood police departments for their work on the investigation.