Union Man Burglarized Homes Of Asian Small Biz Owners: Feds

RAHWAY, NJ – A Union County man admitted his role in a conspiracy that targeted homes belonging to Asian small business owners, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said.

Kevin Jackson, 57, of Rahway pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court to charges of one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property.

From Dec. 2, 2016, to March 20, 2019, Jackson participated in burglarizing the homes of certain Asian small business owners living in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, stealing large sums of money, valuable jewelry, and other items and transporting the stolen goods in interstate commerce, including to residences in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, according to court docs.

Jackson would perform reconnaissance on homes in heavily populated Asian and Asian-American communities, court documents said. He would conduct surveillance of people of Asian descent at their respective businesses, typically Asian restaurants., according to Sellinger.

In one instance, on or about Feb. 28, 2019, Jackson and his coconspirators burglarized a home in Union County, stealing approximately $130,000 in property, according to court documents.

The charge of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the amount of money involved in the offense, whichever is greatest.

Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 13, 2024.