MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly announced that three alleged members of a burglary crew operating in New York and New Jersey were indicted on burglary, grand larceny, and weapons charges for a string of attempted and successful break-ins in Lake Success, Roslyn Heights, Woodmere, and several other Nassau County communities in 2023 and early 2024.
The defendants, Jawaun Whitted, 22, Fazon Farrington, 19, and Raquil Hayes, 21, all from Newark, New Jersey, are charged with attempting to break into more than a dozen homes over a three-week period. They allegedly stole key fobs, luxury cars, and other property from several homes. According to Donnelly, the defendants targeted homes during the holiday season, using a crowbar to pry open doors and windows. Many of these break-ins occurred after midnight, often while residents were home.
Between December 20, 2023, and January 13, 2024, Whitted, Farrington, and Hayes allegedly attempted to burglarize homes in communities including Lake Success, Woodmere, Valley Stream, Roslyn, Roslyn Heights, New Hyde Park, Lawrence, Syosset, Mineola, and Franklin Square. Some attempts were foiled by alarm systems or alert residents, but several burglaries were successful.
Notable incidents include:
- On December 23, 2023, in Franklin Square, Whitted and Farrington allegedly stole a 2024 BMW and a 2019 Mercedes Benz after breaking into a home.
- On December 26, 2023, Farrington allegedly broke into homes in Syosset and Mineola, stealing a pocketbook, a child’s bookbag, a key fob, a BMW X7, a Louis Vuitton handbag, credit cards, and cash.
- On January 2, 2024, Farrington allegedly stole a BMW X7 from a North New Hyde Park home.
- On January 4, 2024, Whitted allegedly stole a BMW X7 and other items from a Lawrence home.
- On January 8, 2024, Whitted and Farrington allegedly stole a BMW 760 from a Woodmere home.
- On July 14, 2023, Whitted allegedly stole an Audi RS6 and a Jeep Cherokee from a Hewlett Harbor home.
The burglary spree came to an end on January 13, 2024, when Whitted and Hayes allegedly fled from an attempted burglary in Lake Success, crashing into a police vehicle. They were apprehended after fleeing on foot. A search of their getaway vehicle uncovered a loaded Glock firearm with a “Glock switch” modification that allows the weapon to become fully automatic.
The defendants were apprehended by members of the Lake Success Police Department and the Nassau County Police Department’s Burglary Pattern Squad. Farrington was arrested later on March 14, 2024.
Whitted was arraigned on multiple charges, including burglary, grand larceny, and weapons possession. He pled not-guilty. His bail was set at $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $2.5 million partially secured bond, with his next court date set for September 12, 2024.
Farrington was also arraigned on similar charges with his bail set at $1 million bond, and was due back in court on July 26, 2024. He pled not-guilty.
Hayes, facing fewer charges, had his bail continued at $100,000 bond and was due back in court on July 24, 2024. He also pled not-guilty.
The charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
