A cunning burglary ring utilized GPS technology to track their targets, cut off the power, and stealthily entered homes left in darkness. This operation, which a judge labeled as “bone-chilling,” left a trail of ransacked homes and slashed mattresses across the nation, all while the perpetrators were in the U.S. unlawfully.
Six out of the seven-member gang, all undocumented immigrants, received sentences harsher than those typically given for theft offenses, reflecting the extensive nature of their crimes, according to a statement from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan released on Thursday. One member of the group remains on the run.
John Sebastian Quintero-Herrera, a 29-year-old from Colombia and the leader of the operation, was sentenced to 70 months in prison after admitting guilt to charges of interstate transportation of stolen goods.
U.S. District Judge Jane M. Beckering likened their elaborate scheme to an “Ocean’s Eleven-style conduct,” yet noted it was “downright cruel” and had a “bone-chilling” impact on those whose homes were invaded.
Federal prosecutors revealed that the defendants tore through homes in search of valuables. (Department of Justice)
The group, led by Quintero-Herrera, burglarized at least 20 homes nationwide. U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey remarked that this case is “another example of why we are so alarmed by illegal immigration into the United States.”
“When these people sneaked into our country, they weren’t looking for a chance to get a job,” VerHey said. “Their idea of a better life was to set up a burglary operation targeting the homes of people all over the United States.”
The defendants used hidden surveillance cameras to watch potential victims, federal prosecutors said. (Department of Justice)
The group focused on small business owners believed to keep large amounts of cash or valuables at home. Investigators said the suspects conducted extensive surveillance, using GPS trackers to monitor victims’ movements and cameras to watch their residences.
Once targets were identified, prosecutors said the group broke into homes, sometimes cutting power before ransacking them. Authorities said they stole cash, jewelry, luxury handbags and shoes, family heirlooms, and personal documents such as passports and mortgage records.
Homes were often left in severe disarray, with belongings scattered and mattresses slashed, according to prosecutors.
The defendants put GPS trackers on their victims’ cars to locate their homes, federal prosecutors said. (Department of Justice)
Officials said the suspects spent the stolen money on drugs, nightlife and lavish travel.
“These professional burglars made over $1,500,000 breaking into people’s homes, but perhaps the most precious thing they stole from their victims was their sense of security and safety,” VerHey said.
The five other members of the crew who have pleaded guilty and been sentenced include: Iesua Ramirez-Perez, 26; Ivan Chaparro-Perez, 31; William Villarraga-Joya, 33; Paul Mendoza-Arevalo, 39; and Wendy Acosta-Arevalo, 31.
Ramirez-Perez, Chaparro-Perez and Mendoza-Arevalo were each convicted of conspiracy to transport stolen property, each receiving a sentence of 39 months, 42 months and 48 months, respectively.
Villarraga-Joya and Acosta-Arevalo were each convicted of interstate transportation of stolen property, and were sentenced to 90 months and 24 months, respectively.
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