During the past year, several burglaries have been reported in Broward communities Weston and Parkland. Earlier this week, a Hollywood man who was arrested in connection with these crimes offered a glimpse into an alleged ring of organized burglars who broke into at least 10 affluent homes, some in gated communities. The case involved stakeouts, a chase, cell phone surveillance, rental cars and a suspect's body in a canal.
One man is in custody. A 24-year old Hollywood man was arrested Tuesday and charged with seven counts of burglary and two counts of
armed burglary. Two accomplices are being sought.
The break-ins, committed in late February and early March, shared several features: time of day, method of entry and targeted items, jewelry and small electronics in master bedrooms. Even dogs did not daunt the thieves who, one judge said, stole more than $70,000 from one home and at least $10,000 from another.
Broward County Judge John "Jay" Hurley, who ordered the 24-year old suspect held without bond at a first appearance hearing on Wednesday, said a review of the suspect's cellphone history helped investigators link him to the string of burglaries.
"You and a group of other young men were making telephone calls in the city of Parkland at or near the time of the burglaries," the judge said. "You and the other young men involved were breaking into houses, taking from one house more than $70,000, breaking into windows, the sliding-glass door, another house with more than $10,000."
Each count of burglary of an unoccupied dwelling carries a maximum of 15 years in prison, while each count of armed burglary carries a maximum of life in prison.
Eric Matheny is a criminal defense attorney serving Miami-Dade and Broward. If you or a loved one are facing burglary charges, call today to discuss the case.