Rhode Island Burglaries: Duo Sentenced in Asian-Targeted Ring

PROVIDENCE, RI – Two men are headed to federal prison after being sentenced Wednesday for their roles in a chilling, multi-state burglary ring that preyed on individuals of Asian descent. The operation, which spanned from Rhode Island to Florida, netted thieves at least $717,735 in cash and valuables, according to federal prosecutors.

Jorge Andres Cardenas Murillo, 32, a national of Colombia and identified as a central figure in the conspiracy, received a 48-month sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose, followed by three years of supervised release. Cardenas Murillo had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and two counts of attempt to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. An immigration detainer has already been filed, meaning his deportation proceedings will begin after his release.

Alongside Cardenas Murillo, Mohammed Islam, 30, a national of Bangladesh, was sentenced to 33 months of incarceration, also followed by three years of supervised release. Islam pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, interstate transportation of property taken by fraud, and two counts of attempt to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. The sentences were announced by Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

The conspiracy unfolded between July and December 2022, with the crew hitting homes across eight states – Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Wisconsin, and Florida – specifically targeting Asian-American families. At least two Rhode Island properties were hit. This wasn’t random; investigators say the crew meticulously surveilled potential victims, going far beyond simple scouting. They employed sophisticated tactics, including the use of drones for aerial surveillance and GPS trackers on vehicles to monitor the movements of their targets.

This wasn’t smash-and-grab. The crew operated like a well-oiled machine. Drones weren’t just for surveillance, but also for monitoring police activity, while lookouts kept watch. Getaway drivers and cars were pre-positioned, ready to whisk the burglars away after a successful heist. Court documents paint a picture of a calculated and ruthless operation focused on maximizing profit. The $717,735 figure is likely a conservative estimate, investigators believe.

The case was built by Homeland Security Investigations, with significant assistance from a coalition of local law enforcement agencies including the Warwick and Smithfield, RI Police Departments, as well as departments in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Assistant United States Attorneys Julianne Klein and Ly T. Chin prosecuted the case. This investigation serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics used by organized crime groups and the importance of cross-jurisdictional cooperation in bringing them to justice.