NEWARK, N.J. – A North Bergen man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in a multi-state burglary spree that caused $3.5 million in losses, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office. Daniel ‘Tokyo’ Gatson, 44, was previously convicted of conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce and 11 substantive counts of interstate transportation of stolen property.
Gatson was convicted following a three-week trial before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini, who imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court. According to court documents, Gatson and his co-conspirators, including his cousin Anthony ‘T.J.’ Hanks, 36, of Brooklyn, New York, participated in at least 27 burglaries and attempted burglaries in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia.
The gang would identify homes in affluent residential neighborhoods and conduct surveillance on the target residences, looking for signs that no one was home. Before robbing a target residence, the gang would cut wires running to and from the residence, including phone, cable, and alarm connections. They would then forcibly break in to the target residence, usually by smashing through the front door, while a getaway driver remained nearby in a rented minivan, often maintaining contact with one of the burglars inside the target residence by cell phone.
Gatson was apprehended on Oct. 11, 2013, while attempting to flush stolen jewelry down a hotel toilet. In addition to the prison term, Judge Martini sentenced Gatson to three years of supervised release. Hanks, who was convicted at trial of one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce and three counts of interstate transportation of stolen property, is scheduled for sentencing on Sept. 20, 2016.
The investigation was led by the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher in Newark, and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Hafetz of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit in Newark and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
Gatson’s defense counsel is Michael Pedicini Esq. of Chatham, New Jersey. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Gatson and his co-conspirators caused losses of over $3.5 million, mainly in stolen jewelry and cash. The multi-state burglary spree was a complex and brazen crime that spanned multiple states and left a trail of destruction in its wake.
The sentencing of Gatson brings an end to a long and complex investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s office commends the hard work and dedication of the investigators and prosecutors who worked tirelessly to bring this case to justice. The community is safer thanks to the efforts of these law enforcement professionals.
The case is a reminder that burglary and theft are serious crimes that can have devastating consequences for victims. The U.S. Attorney’s office will continue to work tirelessly to protect the public and bring those who commit these crimes to justice.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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