Serial Burglar Admits To Break-Ins Across Union County

UNION COUNTY, NJ — A Plainfield man admitted to burglarizing five homes and robbing another across Union County over the course of six months in 2016 and 2017, acting Union County Prosecutor Michael A. Monahan announced.

Dawud Ward, 24, pleaded guilty last week to one count of first-degree robbery, five counts of third-degree burglary, and two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief.

Ward burglarized a home on Sept. 2, 2016 in Mountainside; a home in Scotch Plains on Dec. 14, 2016; two more in Union and Scotch Plains on Jan. 12, 2017 and the final home in Cranford on Jan. 20, 2017, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Peter Benza, who is prosecuting the case.

Ward stole jewelry, watches, cash, and electronics with a total value of tens of thousands of dollars during the burglaries, Benza said.

Ward was ultimately arrested following a robbery on Feb. 17, 2017 in Linden where he broke into a home on the 600 block of Ercama Street.

Ward entered the victim’s bedroom as she slept, and placed a pillow and sheet over her face when she awoke, holding an object she believed to be a gun to her side, Benza said.

Ward threatened to shoot the victim if she screamed, then fled the scene. Following a sketch of Ward being released by police, he was arrested several days later, charged in connection with numerous burglaries and other related crimes in five New Jersey counties.

Sentencing in the case has been scheduled for Friday, June 8 before state Superior Court Judge John Deitch, at which time the state will recommend a 15-year sentence.

Upon the completion of his prison term in New Jersey, Ward will face an outstanding suspended sentence of 28 years in Virginia on a string of thefts and burglaries committed there.

(Image via Cranford Police: Dawud Ward, 24, of Plainfield)

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