Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy D. Sini has announced the indictment of a man and woman for allegedly burglarizing an occupied home in Nesconset.
Caesar C. Powell, 29, and Tara Barton, 23, of Rocky Point, are each charged with Burglary in the First Degree, a class B violent felony; Burglary in the Second Degree, a class C violent felony; and Burglary in the Third Degree, a class D felony. Powell is also charged with two counts of Possession of Burglar’s Tools, a class A misdemeanor.
“No one should be made to feel unsafe in his or her home, which is why my Office takes residential burglaries extremely seriously,” District Attorney Sini said. “This was undoubtedly a terrifying ordeal for the homeowner, but thanks to his quick thinking, the assistance from his grandson and the swift response from the Suffolk County Police Department, the defendants were apprehended immediately upon leaving the home. They’re now facing multiple felony charges and we will hold them accountable.”
“This was an extremely frightening incident for the homeowner, who, despite having two strangers break into his home, was able to call for help and fight off the pair,” Suffolk County Police Acting Commissioner Stuart Cameron said. “I would like to commend the victim for his bravery, Officer Naglieri for the swift apprehension of these defendants, and the District Attorney’s Office for holding them accountable.”
At approximately 9:25 p.m. on Aug. 9, an 88 year-old Nesconset man heard someone in his home, located on Gibbs Pond Road, and saw flashlights inside the house. He called his grandson, who called 911.
The man then armed himself with a knife and hid in his kitchen. During a confrontation with the defendants, the victim suffered a laceration on his hand that required stitches. The defendants then left the home.
Suffolk County Police Officer Daniel Naglieri responded and observed Powell and Barton leaving the home. Officer Naglieri apprehended and questioned the pair. Powell was allegedly armed with a knife and a screwdriver.
Powell and Barton were arraigned on the indictment before Suffolk County Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard Horowitz today. Bail was set for Powell at $150,000 cash, $300,000 bond, or $500,000 partially-secured bond. Bail was set for Barton at $75,000 cash, $150,000 bond, or $300,000 partially-secured bond. Powell is being represented by Danielle Papa and is due back in court on Sept. 28. Barton is being represented by Christopher Brocato and is due back in court on Sept. 29.
If convicted of the top count, Powell and Barton each face a maximum sentence of up to 25 years in prison.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ferron Lien, of the Felony Offense Bureau’s Major Crime Unit.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.