Four Rhode Island men have been indicted in connection with a series of burglaries targeting Indian and South Asian families across Massachusetts, with authorities uncovering a string of 43 incidents spanning 25 towns.
According to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Massachusetts State Police Colonel John Mawn Jr., the burglaries occurred between July 21, 2018, and March 30, 2024.
The suspects, identified as Jovan Lemon, 29, of Providence; Paul Lemon, 30, of Warwick; Steven Berdugo, 28, of Providence; and Paul Miller, 46, of Woonsocket, are alleged to be part of an organized burglary ring with links to a “violent” Providence-based gang known to law enforcement in Rhode Island.
On April 18, a Middlesex grand jury handed down indictments against the men, totaling 95 counts of unarmed burglary and breaking and entering a house in the daytime with intent to commit a felony.
The burglaries spanned a wide range of towns including Andover, Bellingham, Billerica, Boxborough, Boxford, Carlisle, Easton, Franklin, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lincoln, Littleton, Medway, Middleton, Millis, North Attleboro, Norwell, Pembroke, Seekonk, Sharon, Southborough, Sudbury, Wenham, Weston, and Westwood.
A majority of the targeted residences belonged to individuals of Indian or South Asian descent, as per the authorities. The perpetrators are believed to have selected these homes under the assumption that they would likely harbor precious metals, jewelry, and other valuable heirlooms.
Authorities estimate the total value of stolen property to exceed $4 million. The loot included numerous pieces of jewelry adorned with diamonds and other gemstones, some valued as high as $75,000 individually, along with gold bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and substantial amounts of cash.
In some instances, the burglars made off with locked safes weighing up to 400 pounds, containing the families’ prized possessions.
During a recent press conference, District Attorney Ryan highlighted the invasive nature of such crimes, particularly emphasizing the additional trauma inflicted when individuals suspect their homes were targeted based on their ethnic heritage.
Investigations into the case continue as authorities work to bring justice to the affected families and communities.
