4 Texans Charged In String Of New Jersey Home Invasions
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Authorities in New Jersey on Monday announced charges against four Texas residents in connection with a string of home invasion robberies that targeted the Asian-Indian community in Middlesex County.
As CBS2's Christine Sloan reported, the suspects now under arrest had been wanted in several cities across the country.
The latest wave of robberies began late in October and have occurred in Edison, South Plainfield and Old Bridge.
One victim of the home invasion robberies told her horrific story to CBS2's Matt Kozar.
"They duct taped our hands and legs, and they dragged us literally on the floor one by one," she said.
County Prosecutor Andrew Carey said the four Houston residents -- Chaka Castro, 39; Juan Olaya, 34; Octavius Scott, 22; and Johnisha Williams, 19, all face numerous charges, including conspiracy, robbery, burglary, kidnapping and aggravated assault.
They were apprehended last week in Georgia, Michigan, New York and Texas.
"They would hold their victims at gunpoint during the robbery," Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey said. "They would tie up, duct tape, punch and kick the adult victims. There are few crimes more frightening to imagine than an armed home invasion."
CBS2 has learned that the Middlesex County Prosecutor's office tracked down the alleged traveling bandits through a ping of a stolen cellphone. Carey said Castro, the alleged ringleader, allegedly researched the name of South Asian-American residents.
Prosecutors said Scott supervised crews and sent them into homes with guns.
In one of the most recent home invasions reported, on Nov. 29, the Old Bridge homeowner said three masked, armed men forced their way in and ransacked the house as one gunman stood guard over the family, which included her parents and her 4- and 6-year-old children.
"There is relief," said Indian-American business owner Satish Poondi. "But there is also at the same time, an understanding that we need to continue with safety precautions."
Residents say the armed robberies have occurred for a decade timed around the Hindu holiday of Diwali, when gold jewelry is frequently given as a gift.
"But I think there is also a stereotype that needs to be put to rest, that Indian homes keep a lot of cash or gold – simply not true," Poondi said.
As of Monday, the suspects were all still being held in Texas. If found guilty, they could spend up to 40 years behind bars.
Carey said members of the highly organized burglary crew could still be on the loose.
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