Suffolk Man, 70, Indicted In String Of 7 Business Break-Ins: DA

RIVERSIDE, NY — A 70-year-old Mastic Beach man has been indicted in a string of seven commercial burglaries across Selden, Centereach, Farmingville, and Lake Grove in a little over a month, Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney's office said Wednesday.

Between May 21 and June 25, Kenneth Eckhoff broke into seven businesses within the confines of the police department’s 4th and 6th precincts, prosecutors said, adding that in most of the burglaries, he removed glass or panels from doors into the businesses to gain entry.

“Local businesses are at the heart of our community in Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Ray Tierney. “When they are targeted and are victims of theft, the cost burden trickles down to the very consumers that the businesses serve.”

Eckhoff was indicted on seven counts of third-degree burglary in connection with burglaries at the following places:

• May 21, 2023 – Carpet Depot in Lake Grove
• June 2, 2023 – Villa Grazie Pizza in Centereach
• June 5, 2023 - Rainbow Shops in Centereach Mall
• Between June 7 to June 8, 2023 - Carpet Depot in Lake Grove
• June 12, 2023 - Jiffy Lube in Selden
• June 14, 2023 - Coachella Nail Spa in Lake Grove
• June 25, 2023 – Islander Laundromat in Farmingville

Eckhoff was arrested on June 27 by members of Suffolk police.

He was ordered held on $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond or $800,000 partially-secured bond during the pendency of the case. His next court date is on July 27. He is being represented by the Legal Aid Society, which does not comment on cases.