New york man sentenced for targeting asian and asian-american business owners in burglary scheme

New York Man Sentenced for Targeting Asian and Asian-American Business Owners in Burglary Scheme

by
June 5, 2024

NEWARK, NJ – James Hurt, a 48-year-old man from New York, has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for his involvement in a conspiracy that specifically targeted Asian and Asian-American small business owners across multiple states.

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the sentencing, which took place in Newark federal court under U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin.

Hurt previously pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. This charge stemmed from activities spanning from December 2, 2016, to March 20, 2019, during which Hurt and his co-conspirators burglarized homes of Asian small business owners in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The group targeted these individuals for their valuable jewelry, large sums of money, and other items, subsequently transporting the stolen goods across state lines.

In addition to his prison term, Judge Padin has also sentenced Hurt to three years of supervised release. This case highlights a disturbing pattern of targeting specific communities for criminal activities and underscores the efforts of federal law enforcement to address and deter such targeted criminal behavior.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.