November 2, 2015

Two Men Convicted for Roles in Multi-State $3.4 Million Burglary Spree

NEWARK, NJ—A North Jersey man and a Brooklyn, New York, man were convicted today on multiple counts in connection with a multimillion-dollar, multi-state burglary spree, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Daniel “Tokyo” Gatson, 43, of North Bergen, New Jersey, and Anthony Hanks, 36, of Brooklyn, were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce; Gatson was convicted of 11 counts, and Hanks 12 counts, of interstate transportation of stolen property. The two men were convicted following a three-week trial before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini in Newark federal court. The jury deliberated a day and a half before returning the verdicts.

According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

Gatson, Hanks and four conspirators—who previously pleaded guilty and testified against Gatson and Hanks—took part in 27 burglaries and attempted burglaries in six states, stealing $3.4 million in cash and valuables.

The conspiracy count on which the defendants were found guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison. The substantive counts of interstate transportation of stolen property each carry a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 11, 2016.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Richard M. Frankel in Newark; and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor John L. Molinelli, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty verdicts.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Hafetz of the Criminal Division in Newark and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney, on loan from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.