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Burglary Ring Busted In Nassau County

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Suspects in a high-tech burglary ring that targeted dozens of businesses and homes on Long Island were indicted on state charges Thursday.

As CBS 2's Jennifer McLogan reported, Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice, along with federal and local law enforcement, claim the group of thieves were behind as many as 50 commercial and residential burglaries in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Officials said the group is also charged in connection with one burglary in Westchester County and another in Queens County.

Burglary Ring Busted In Nassau County

Three people were arrested Thursday, including the alleged ring leader, 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reported. Authorities said they are searching for eight more suspects.

CBS 2 identified the three suspects as 33-year-old Nikitas Margiellos, of West Babylon, Gerard Camarano, of Valley Stream, and Trung Lu, of Ridgewood. They are charged with third-degree burglary and possession of burglar's tools.

Rice said the group used hammers and other ordinary tools, as well as sophisticated technology such as cell phone jammers to commit the crimes, WCSB 880's Sophia Hall reported.

In total the group is accused of stealing $10 million worth of cash and property.

Burglary Ring Busted In Nassau County

"This was not something where they'd say -- spur of the moment -- let's go hit this building or this home. I mean the spent months, doing surveillance and attaching the GPS', ensuring they could get in and out without detection," Rice said.

Two of the business that were hit were DSW Shoe Warehouse in Carle Place and Scents Forever in Hicksville, Hall reported.

The suspects pleaded not guilty Thursday.

They are being held on bonds of $100,000 and $200,000. If convicted, they face a maximum possible sentence of 4-2/3 to 16 years in prison.

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