DA: 3 Charged in 'Smash-and-Grab' Burglaries

A Brooklyn man and two accomplices from Great Neck were arrested in a string of “smash-and-grab” burglaries in the area, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office.

Joseph Borelli, 42, was charged June 19 with nine counts of third-degree burglary and nine counts of third-degree burglary, the DA said. If convicted, he could face up to seven years for each top count.

Borelli was charged in connection with “smash-and-grab” burglaries that took place overnight at nine different businesses across Nassau County the DA said.

Between Jan. 10 and June 16, Borelli broke into Cookshop Deli in Great Neck, Loucri Jewelers in Greenvale, Messina Market in East Norwich, Westbury Jewelry Exchange in New Cassel, Lana’s Jewelry Store in Massapequa, Shoe Repair in Valley Stream, Maddy Fine Jewelers in Syosset, Bagelman of Great Neck, and B&D Deli in Plainview, officials said.

Borrelli’s accomplices, Rotem Balila, 25, and Edan Balila, 27, both of Great Neck, were charged June 19 and 23, respectively, officials said.

Officials believe Borelli worked with his two accomplices to break into seven other businesses, including Kardesh Jewelers in Bellmore, GTO Deli in N. Massapequa, Ritz Jewelers in Oceanside, Herricks Jewelers in Garden City Park, Bolila Jewelry in N. Bellmore, Card Smart Store in Bethpage, and Swan Cleaners in Levittown, the DA said.

Rotem Balila was charged with third-degree burglary, third-degree criminal mischief, fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. Edan Balila was charged with third-degree burglary, third-degree criminal mischief, and fourth- and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.

In total, the the trio stole more than $200,000 in cash, jewelry, and lottery tickets, officials said.

“The main defendant in this case has been charged with and is still being investigated for his role in a string of commercial burglaries all over Nassau County and possibly even in Suffolk and Queens,” Acting DA Madeline Singas said. “We are lucky that no one was hurt in these overnight smash-and-grab burglaries, and will continue our close partnership with the Nassau County Police Department on this case to make sure that we deliver justice for the hardworking victims.”

Photos: (L-R) Joseph Borelli, Rotem Balila, Edan Balila. Credit: NCDA