Stamford Woman Sentenced For Burglaries Targeting Asian-Owned Homes, Businesses: Feds

STAMFORD, CT — A Stamford woman was sentenced last month to two years in prison followed by three years of federal supervised release for her role in a burglary ring that targeted Asian-owned homes and businesses in multiple states, according to Rhode Island prosecutors.

Basneyareth Rebollar-Martinez, 28, was sentenced on Dec. 19 by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith. A Mexican national, Rebollar-Martinez faces deportation at the conclusion of her sentence, United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha said in a news release.

Cunha noted that Rebollar-Martinez previously admitted to a federal judge in September 2023 that she conspired with others to target and rob homes belonging primarily to residents of Asian descent in at least eight states, including Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, from July 2022 to January 2023.

Homes were targeted based on a belief that they would contain large sums of cash, valuable jewelry, heirlooms, and other items, Cunha said.

According to information presented to the court, forensic audits of Rebollar-Martinez's and others' cell phones found those involved conducted surveillance on the victims they were targeting, including at their place of work, which included Chinese restaurants and nail salons, according to Cunha.

GPS trackers were placed on victims’ vehicles to monitor their movement and to determine when and whether they were at home, Cunha added.

"The conspirators also used drones for surveillance purposes," Cunha said. "Once a residence was targeted, some members of the conspiracy would act as lookouts at a nearby locations; others would serve as drivers dropping off and picking up co-conspirators at designated locations; while other members of the conspiracy would force entry into the residences. After the burglaries, the stolen goods were transported elsewhere and sold for profit."

During her sentencing, Rebollar-Martinez was ordered to pay $722,420 in restitution to victims.

The Stamford Police Department assisted Homeland Security and multiple police agencies in different states during the investigation.