Ray Chrostowski, Railroad Car Breaking, New York 2020

In a shocking display of brazen criminality, Ray Chrostowski, a 26-year-old Buffalo man, has pleaded guilty to breaking into a railroad car and stealing over $4,718 worth of goods.

According to the U.S. Attorney's office, the defendant entered the railroad car on nine separate occasions between May and June of 2018, along with co-defendants Paul Krieger and Nicholas Birdwell. The trio would break into the railcars, removing property and causing a significant loss to the shipping companies.

The total loss from the stolen goods, including two automobiles and a large quantity of Jefferson bourbon, was estimated to be over $8,000.

The charge of breaking into and larceny from interstate carrier facilities carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins is handling the case, and the plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the CSX Police.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 16, 2020, before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/buffalo-man-pleads-guilty-breaking-railroad-car