Feds in NJ charge 8 men who ran burglary ring targeting Asian homeowners

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Andy Ngô
@MrAndyNgo
Federal authorities in NJ charged 8 men who ran a burglary ring that targeted more than 50 Asian homeowners in multiple states. The men used racist slurs to refer to victims. The reporting on this hasn't reported the men's backgrounds so I looked them up.

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NEWARK, N.J. – Eight members of an interstate burglary crew were charged for their roles in a conspiracy that targeted homeowners of Asian descent for residential burglaries, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

Rabine Armour of Easton, Pennsylvania; Kevin Burton of Newark; Kevin Jackson of Rahway, New Jersey; Thomas Rodgers of Newark; James Hurt of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania; Sherman Glasco of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Randi Barr of Irvington, New Jersey; and Terrance Black of Irvington, New Jersey, are charged by complaint with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. Burton is also charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and conspiring with Keesha Davis, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, to tamper with evidence. The defendants will appear by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III.

As alleged in the complaint, these defendants were part of a sophisticated, multi-state burglary crew that targeted the homes of business owners of Asian descent, intending to steal the cash proceeds of their businesses as well as jewelry, foreign currency, and other property,” Acting U.S. Attorney Honig said. “A comprehensive investigation led by our partners at the FBI and aided by the cooperation of local law enforcement revealed the links among over 50 residential burglaries and thereby uncovered this scheme. As a result of this careful investigative work, the defendants now face federal charges for their actions.”

“These defendants allegedly carried out a brazen conspiracy based on stereotype and opportunity,” Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. said. “It is fitting that these arrests come at a time when society is raising awareness regarding crimes against our Asian-American citizens. FBI-Newark appreciates the strong relationship with our law enforcement partners. To that end, I want to thank the South Plainfield Police Department and Middlesex County Prosecutors office for initiating the investigation, and the police departments of New Castle County, Delaware, Eatontown, Edison, Hazlet and the Old Bridge for their investigative assistance leading to these burglary interruptions.”

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