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Burglary Ring Suspects Indicted, 50+ Victims Targeted Over 2 Years

DENVER (CBS4)- A grand jury in Denver has indicted 28 people accused of taking part in what's being called a prolific burglary ring that included more than 50 victims over the past two years.

Mohammed arbab baidy dia Emanuel makoi
Mohammed Arbab, Baidy Dia and Emanuel Makoi (credit: Denver DA)

The suspects include Mohammed Arbab, 35, Baidy Dia, 21, Emanuel Makoi, 19, Gallo Dia, 31, Mamadou Diallo, 20, Najib Mahamoud, 21, and Mohammed Tagir, 20.

Gallo dia mamadou diallo
Gallo Dia and Mamadou Diallo (credit: Denver DA)

Each are charged with violating Colorado's Organized Crime Control Act in addition to numerous other felonies including theft, burglary, criminal mischief and conspiracy.

Kim Essex's home was burglarized in the middle of the day.

"My husband came home and saw the back door broken and called the police, but it was too late," she said.

Essex is one of the dozens targeted by the burglary ring. The burglars stole electronics and jewelry. Police said the items were typically turned in for cash at a pawn shop located off Mississippi Avenue.

DENVER BURGLARY RING
(credit: CBS)

"They grab a suitcase or duffel bag or whatever, of yours, and then shove all your little things in it, rings, bracelets, that kind of thing," said Essex.

The indictment alleges that the defendants pictured and 21 others have been burglarizing homes and stealing cars since late 2013, causing more than $400,000 in losses to victims, more than $23,000 in property damage and more than $70,000 in car theft losses.

Najib mahamoud mohammed tagir
Najib Mahamoud and Mohammed Tagir (credit: Denver DA)

According to the indictment the criminals would locate homes in which the owner was not at home and would often break a glass window or door to get inside and steal valuables including jewelry, electronics and credit cards.

The Denver Police Department detectives in District 2 and District 3 first noticed a pattern of criminal activity and worked with the Denver DA to take the case to the grand jury. The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office and Homeland Security Investigations also helped in the investigation.

Weeks after the burglary, items from Essex's home were discovered by police in various arrests.

"We had sensed that there were a lot of people but honestly never expected them to catch them all," said Essex.

Police say the thieves worked in tandem to scout a neighborhood and rob a home once the owners had left.

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