Pocono News Section

Burglary Bust in Luzerne County

Burglary Bust in Luzerne County - Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 6:04PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, Apr 29, 2008 @ 06:04pm EST
DURYEA, LUZERNE COUNTY - Five people are in custody in connection with a burglary ring in Luzerne County. All five of the suspects are between the ages of 19 and 24.

Police say Ronald Gieski of Avoca was the ring-leader of the burglary ring busted Tuesday afternoon. The 22-year-old faces charges of breaking into at least three homes over the last two months.

"We're very happy of the fact that we have these individuals off the street in a very short time," Sergeant Nick Lohman of the Duryea Police Department said.

Investigators say Gieski broke into one home in Avoca and two in Duryea. He stole electronics, computers and credit cards.

"We have some information that drugs have been related but that hasn't been confirmed at this time" Chief David Homschek of the Avoca Police Department said.

Besides Gieski, 19-year-old Justin Thompson, 24-year-old Nicole Howe of Moosic, 20-year-old Brandon Rowlands and 19-year-old David Kelly of Scranton were also taken into custody. Investigators say they all knew of the ring and/or benefited from the burglaries. They were caught after the stolen credit cards were used.

"It just goes to show that crime is not just one level, one age group. It starts low, young and carries on," Sergeant Lohman said.

In one case, police say the Gieski was so brazen, he broke into the home of a deadly fire victim in Duryea to seal copper piping.

"It's a good feeling knowing that these people are apprehended. We closed some of these cases out and they're going to be off the street," Chief Homschek said.

Investigators are also looking into whether other homes may have been hit.

"We are looking into other prior burglaries and some thefts that may be linked to these individuals, one or more of them," Sergeant Lohman said.

The charges against all of the suspects range from theft to criminal conspiracy.