Bergen Co. Man Sentenced For 'Prolific' NJ Burglary Ring: AG

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A Bergen County man was sentenced to 14 years for leading a "prolific burglary ring" that stole more than half a million dollars in cash, jewelry and other valuables from homes across New Jersey, according to authorities.

Keith Perry, 39, of Teaneck, was sentenced on March 10 after pleading guilty to promoting organized street crime, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said.

Perry was architect of a crime ring responsible for 84 burglaries over six months in nine New Jersey counties, prosecutors said.

Officials noted the ring, more than once, broke into houses when residents were at home.

“It was paramount that we identify and apprehend the members of this ring, because their willingness to commit these crimes while homeowners were present," New Jersey State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan said.

"[It] demonstrated that they were prepared to engage in confrontation, which could easily have escalated into violence."

Perry was charged specifically in connection with 17 burglaries in Bergen, Morris, Essex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Union Counties, all committed between October 2020 and March 2021, Platkin said.

The ringleader was arrested in April 2021 in North Carolina by federal authorities on a warrant, and was extradited to New Jersey and detained in the Morris County jail, pending adjudication of charges, the Attorney General's office said.

A far-reaching investigation involving more 40 law enforcement agencies led to Perry's arrest, prosecutors said.

Burglars in Perry's ring had a set modus operandi that saw them breaking into and raiding New Jersey homes, officials said.

On one occasion, the homeowner confronted Perry, who made a motion inside of his sweatshirt as though he had a gun and then said, "I'll shoot you."

In separate hearings, two ring members who were charged in April — Porsche Brown, 31, of Lodi; and Kay Brown, 24, of Paterson (no relation) — were sentenced to non-custodial probation.

Both women pleaded guilty to burglary in July 2021.

“The lengthy prison term handed down to (Perry) reflects the gravity of his crimes and sends a clear message that New Jersey’s strong law enforcement network is working diligently to identify and prosecute criminals who threaten the safety of our residents," Division of Criminal Justice Director Pearl Minato said.