Rhode Island authorities apprehended four individuals on Friday, believed to be responsible for a highly coordinated string of thefts targeting South Asian families home primarily within Massachusetts in recent years.
The arrestees have been described by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan as “an intricate network of residential thieves”, with operations leaving several victims deeply distressed and stripped off of their cultural artifacts. The paid officers from Massachusetts State Police and other state officials who played crucial roles in the probe joined her at a Boston press conference.
Ryan confirmed that these criminals instigated 43 separate robberies spanning 25 regions. On Friday, law enforcement managed to reclaim some purloined valuables including a gem piece worth $75K among other jewelry and money stolen from the houses – overall value exceeding $4M.
No fewer than 39 distinct police units contributed to this sweep operation, according to official sources.
Involved in the charges are two siblings assisted by their father; they’re presumed members of an organized crime group based out in Rhode Island. Based on information unearthed during the investigation, they took advantage of Wi-Fi jammers while victims were away from their homes and chose targets fitting specific criteria – affluent families who may own high-priced items relating to their culture at home.
As per Ryan’s statement, “These items had been passed down through generations”. The alleged culprits include Jovan Lemon (29) & Paul Lemon (30) hailing from Providence & Warwick respectively along with their father Paul Miller (46), residing at Woonsocket, RI as well as Steven Berdugo(28), also from Providence. It yet remains unclear if legal representation for defense against allegations encompassing 95 counts each for unarmed theft & daytime break-in with felonious motive decided by Middlesex County jury last week is available for them.
It’s further implied that the residences were expressly targeted assuming plentiful possession of precious stones or gold ornaments along with piles of cash due to their inhabitants’ cultural heritage. Prosecution is further considering the feasibility of hate crime charges.
Ubiquitous sentiment such as relief was voiced by Rahul Khanna representing Weston huge sigh of relief expressed by his friends and other counterparts within South Asian Diaspora who have been living in dread since this peculiar trend of striking home invasions initiated back in 2018. The most recent occurrence transpired only last month.
“Residents here for upwards to forty years claim never having experienced such circumstances”, says Khanna.
An anticipatory statement from Acting Lincoln Police Chief Sean Kennedy, whose department participated in the probe, reflects “There couldn’t have been anyone more eagerly awaiting this day than members from the South Asian community”.
“The relieving prospect of getting back to our routine lives socializing with our family or friends, going on trips whenever we want brings immense peace”, mentioned Khanna. “It feels great.” Ryan shared that a notification process is underway for potential victims identified through temple membership rosters.
Law enforcement agencies suggests that these theft cases trace back to July 21st 2018 onwards till March 30th 2024 including towns such as Billerica, Boxborough, Carlisle among others.