Home Burglaries Targeting Indian, Jewish Residents Lead To Man's Sentence

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Home burglaries involving treasured family heirlooms from Indian and Jewish families led to a sentence in Loudoun County in late April.

Fernando Cuero Saa, 53, of Houston was sentenced in Loudoun County Circuit Court on two counts of burglary, one count of grand larceny and one count of attempted burglary. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison and ordered to pay about $151,000 in restitution to the victims. However, defense for Saa indicated there was no proposed payment plan for restitution, citing an active detainer that could be served after his sentence.

"This organized, targeted effort to break into and ransack homes in Loudoun was stopped thanks to
the comprehensive investigation conducted by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office," said Commonwealth's Attorney Bob Anderson in a statement. "The types of crimes that involve breaking into homes create a significant risk of violence occurring, and causes people to feel unsafe in their own homes, where they should feel the most safe."

Prosecutors say Saa and a co-conspirator traveled from Houston to Loudoun County to conduct home burglaries in spring 2024. The burglars targeted homes of Indian and Jewish faith residents, with the purpose of stealing expensive jewelry and large amounts of cash.

The two broke into several homes before being caught. The burglaries caused more than $150,000 in losses from stolen items and property damage. Prosecutors say many stolen items were "priceless family heirlooms passed down from generation to generation." No items have been recovered.

Before sentencing, Judge Douglas Fleming labeled Saa as a "professional thief," noting that the victims may never receive money for restitution and had family memories erased by the crimes.