Brayan Castano and accomplices stole more than $1 million in cash and items from homes on the North Shore
MINEOLA, N.Y. –Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Queens man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in a pattern burglary ring that targeted homes in gated communities on the North Shore of Nassau County.
Brayan Castano, 33, of Elmhurst, Queens, was convicted after a jury trial in October 2021 before Judge Helene Gugerty, of seven counts of Burglary in the Second Degree (a C felony); Attempted Burglary in the Second Degree (a D felony); and Possession of Burglar Tools (an A misdemeanor). Castano was sentenced Monday to 30 years in prison.
“Brayan Castano and his co-defendants burglarized several homes on the North Shore, making off with $1 million in cash and property over five months, and left communities on edge,” said DA Donnelly. “Now, Castano has been sentenced to significant jail time for his crimes. I thank the Nassau County Police Department for their diligent efforts in finding the individuals responsible for this burglary spree, and our prosecutors who secured justice for the victims.”
DA Donnelly said that, according to the charges, between May 2018 and September 2018, Castano and his co-defendants burglarized or attempted to burglarize eight houses in gated communities on the North Shore of Nassau County, stealing more than $1 million in people’s property, including U.S. currency, foreign currency, jewelry and designer handbags.
The burglary ring specifically chose gated communities with one entrance into and out of the community. A lookout was stationed at the gate so that if police responded to the home being burglarized the crew member could alert accomplices that cops were nearby. Castano’s crimes occurred on Friday or Saturday nights, and the defendants entered the homes through breaking rear windows or doors.
Castano and his co-defendants burglarized homes in Old Westbury, Manhasset, Jericho and Woodbury.
The defendant was arrested on September 21, 2018, by members of the Nassau County Police Department.
Co-defendant Andres Zapata, 24, was convicted after a jury trial before Judge Helene Gugerty on April 12, 2022, of seven counts of Burglary in the Second Degree (a C felony); Attempted Burglary in the Second Degree (a D felony); and Possession of Burglar Tools (an A misdemeanor). He faces a maximum of up to 15 years in prison on each burglary count when he is sentenced.
Senior Litigation Counsel Stefanie Palma of the Homicide Bureau and Deputy Chief Rachael Whalen of the County Court Trial Bureau prosecuted this case. Castano is represented by Jeff Groder, Esq.
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