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Press Release

Pennsylvania Man Admits Stealing More Than $480,000 As Part Of Interstate Burglary Scheme

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. – A Lancaster, Pennsylvania, man today admitted transporting goods stolen through a string of commercial burglaries in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman announced. 

Jose Medina, 39, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Mary L. Cooper in Trenton federal court to a superseding information charging him with one count of conspiracy to transport stolen goods in interstate commerce and one count of transportation of stolen goods in interstate commerce.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Jose Medina admitted that from October 2012 through August 2014, he conspired with his brother, Eliezer Medina, 38, of Ronks, Pennsylvania, and others to steal money by burglarizing stores in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, and thereafter transporting the stolen money across state lines. The conspiracy involved at least 22 burglaries and caused over $480,000 in losses. When committing the burglaries, the conspirators would typically scout the target store in advance, disable the alarm system, and use pry-bars, electrical saws, and other tools to gain access to the stores and safes.

The conspiracy charge to which Jose Medina pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum penalty of five years in prison and carries $250,000 fine. The interstate transport of stolen goods charge is punishable by a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine.  

As part of his plea agreement, Medina has agreed to forfeit $487,364.44 in stolen proceeds. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 19, 2016.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI in Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher, and special agents of the FBI in Philadelphia Branch, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge William F. Sweeney Jr., with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Paramus, New Jersey; Wayne, New Jersey; and Pennsauken Township, New Jersey, police departments; the N.J. State Police; and the Lancaster City, Pennsylvania; East Lampert, Pennsylvania; Manor Township, Pennsylvania; Manheim Township, Pennsylvania; and East Hempfield, Pennsylvania, police departments for their work on the case.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Wangenheim of the Criminal Division in Newark.

Defense counsel:  Angelo Servidio, Esq.

Updated July 12, 2016

Press Release Number: 16-207