NEWARK, NJ – James Hurt, a 47-year-old from New York, admitted to participating in a conspiracy aimed at burglarizing Asian and Asian-American small business owners’ homes across multiple states.

U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin received the guilty plea from Hurt in Newark federal court on charges of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger made the announcement.

The court filings and statements reveal that between December 2, 2016, and March 20, 2019, Hurt conspired with others to steal large sums of money, valuable jewelry, and other items from the homes of targeted Asian small business owners.

The victims resided in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The stolen goods were then moved across state lines, including to homes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or double the amount of money involved in the crime, whichever is greater. Sentencing has been scheduled for February 20.

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