Man Sentenced In North Shore Burglary Spree That Netted Over $1M: DA

MINEOLA, NY — A Queens man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in a burglary spree, in which he helped steal more than $1 million from North Shore homes, prosecutors announced Tuesday.

Brayan Castano, 33, was convicted on seven counts of second-degree burglary, one count of second-degree attempted burglary, and one count of possession of burglary tools.

"Brayan Castano and his co-defendants burglarized several homes on the North Shore, making off with $1 million in cash and property over five months, and left communities on edge," said Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly. "Now, Castano has been sentenced to significant jail time for his crimes."

Donnelly said Castano and his co-defendants burglarized or attempted to burglarize eight homes in gated communities between May 2018 and September 2018. They specifically chose gated communities with only one entrance, making it easier for them to get away, prosecutors said. The homes were located in Old Westbury, Manhasset, Jericho, and Woodbury.

A lookout was stationed at the gate so that, if police responded to the home being burglarized, they could alert accomplices that cops were nearby, according to officials. The crimes occurred on either Thursday, Friday, or Saturday nights. And the defendants entered the homes by breaking through rear windows or doors.

The items that they reportedly stole included U.S. currency, foreign currency, jewelry, and designer handbags.

Following a jury trial in April, co-defendant Andres Zapata was convicted of seven counts of second-degree burglary, one count of second-degree attempted burglary, and one count of possession of burglary tools. The 24-year-old faces up to 15 years in prison on each burglary count when he is sentenced.