CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y., Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Five suspects in a notorious Long Island burglary ring, including a former police detective, were arrested this week, federal prosecutors said Thursday.
The suspects were charged with conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen goods in a string of commercial and residential burglaries that netted more than $10 million.
"The defendants were part of a sophisticated burglary crew that victimized Long Island businesses and residents for more than three years," Loretta Lynch, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a written statement. "Each defendant had a role to play in this band of criminals. The crew relied upon weapons of force as well as modern technology to steal millions from both homes and businesses alike."
The defendants were arraigned in federal court in Central Islip Thursday, Long Island Newsday said.
Related
One of the defendants was Rafael Astacio, 41, of Copiague, who was a detective on the New York Police Department at the time the reputed ring was active in 2009-12. He was fired by the department after he came to the attention of investigators.
Lynch said the defendants allegedly robbed three dozen businesses and 10 homes, including the residence of a plastic surgeon where $2 million in cash was reported stolen in 2010, and a heist involving 45,000 pair of designer sunglasses valued at $3 million.
"They often conducted surveillance of their burglary victims to determine when the victims would be out of their homes and businesses," Lynch said. "On at least one occasion, the crew even installed a tracking device on a victim's car to assist in that endeavor."
