2 Sentenced For 'Sweeping' Burglary Spree Across RI, Other States: Feds

PROVIDENCE, RI — Two men were sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a "sweeping, multi-state burglary ring that targeted individuals of Asian descent, including in Rhode Island," the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Jorge Andres Cardenas Murillo, 32, and Mohammed Islam, 30, were sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Providence, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a media release.

See also: RI And CT AGs Threaten To Sue Trump Administration Over Wind Farm Work Stoppage

Murillo, a Colombian national, was sentenced to four years in prison, according to the release, and Islam, a Bangladeshi national, was sentenced to two years and nine months.

Murillo, who was identified as a central figure of the conspiracy, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and attempting to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, the release said.

See also: Rhode Island Drug Task Force Nabs Armed Lincoln Man: Cops

Islam previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, interstate transportation of property taken by fraud and attempting to commit interstate transportation of stolen property.

"From July 2022 to December 2022, members of the conspiracy targeted residences in various states to burglarize, including at least two properties in Rhode Island, with the intent to steal large sums of money, valuable jewelry, and other items, and then transport the stolen goods interstate for the financial benefit of members of the conspiracy," the release said.

See also: Roger Williams Park Zoo Celebrates Historic Red Panda Births

The conspirators "targeted and surveilled individuals, businesses, and residences and then burglarized or attempted to burglarize homes in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Wisconsin, and Florida," according to the release, and employed "sophisticated means to carry out their scheme."

"In addition to surveilling individuals, the conspirators used drones and GPS trackers placed on vehicles to monitor potential victims’ movement and identify times when they were away from their residences," the release said. "They also used drones and lookouts to monitor law enforcement activity, and had getaway cars and drivers at the ready while other conspirators broke into and burglarized residences."

See also: Newport Parking Enforcement Employee Attacked: Cops

The burglary ring raked in at least $717,735 worth of property and cash, according to the release.

See also: Pawtucket Child Molester Sentenced To 17 Years