Man Pleads Guilty To Breaking Into Queens Businesses By Tearing Holes In Walls

QUEENS — A man broke into six Queens businesses and stole around $40,000 in cash, lottery tickets and cigarettes, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown announced Tuesday.

Staten Island resident Hector Rodriguez, 38, admitted he broke into the businesses in Jamaica, Jackson Heights, North Corona, Queens Village and Woodside by tearing a hole in the roof or creating a hole in the back wall, Brown said.

Except for in one incident, Rodriguez stole cash from the businesses and, sometimes, cigarettes and lottery tickets.

The man was captured by security cameras wearing the same outfit and carrying a crowbar during each break-in, according to the DA.

“The defendant has now admitted his guilt. He brazenly burglarized various businesses in Queens - literally breaking into the buildings by creating holes in rooftops and/or in walls to gain entry," said Brown.

"The commercial locations – grocery stores and bodegas in various neighborhoods throughout Queens County - had cash and merchandise taken by this defendant. He will be punished for his crimes with a lengthy term behind bars.”

Rodriguez, who is due back in court on April 11, pleaded guilty to two counts of third-degree burglary. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison on each count.

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