Four individuals suspected of leading a sophisticated series of break-ins targeting homes belonging to Indian and South Asian families in Massachusetts and beyond have been apprehended in Rhode Island, law enforcement authorities announced on Friday. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan referred to the criminals as a "very sophisticated ring of homebreakers," expressing concern for the victims who were left emotionally traumatized and robbed of their cultural heritage.

During a press conference in Boston, District Attorney Ryan, along with Massachusetts State Police and officers from various agencies, shed light on the investigation, revealing that the burglaries spanned across 25 communities and involved at least 43 break-ins. The value of the stolen jewelry, cash, and gems exceeded $4 million. In a significant development, law enforcement recovered some of the stolen items, including a gem worth $75,000.

The four suspects apprehended are believed to be part of a gang in Rhode Island. The investigation found that they utilized wifi jammers to disable security systems when they knew their victims were away from home. Their targets were chosen based on the assumption that Indian and South Asian families would possess high-value items due to their cultural heritage.

District Attorney Ryan emphasized that the stolen items were of great sentimental value, having been passed down through generations. The suspected perpetrators have been identified as Jovan Lemon, aged 29, from Providence; Paul Lemon, aged 30, from Warwick; Paul Miller, aged 46, from Woonsocket; and Steven Berdugo, aged 28, from Providence. At the time of writing, no information regarding legal representation for the suspects is available.

The district attorney's office is also exploring the possibility of filing hate crime charges, as it has been revealed that the victims were targeted based on the belief that South Asian families often keep valuable possessions at home. Law enforcement had previously issued warnings about break-ins specifically targeting the South Asian community. Investigators are in the process of notifying the victims, some of whom were identified through lists of temple memberships.

The rash of burglaries began on July 21, 2018, and continued until March 30, 2024. The affected towns include Billerica, Boxborough, Carlisle, Easton, Hopkinton, Lincoln, Weston, Sudbury, Andover, Bellingham, Boxford, Franklin, Hudson, Littleton, Medway, Middleton, Millis, North Attleboro, Norwell, Pembroke, Seekonk, Sharon, Southborough, Wenham, and Westwood.

Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with additional information about the suspects or the stolen items to come forward. This significant arrest sends a message that such criminal activities will not go unpunished, demonstrating the commitment of authorities to protect the safety and wellbeing of all communities.