Mastic Man Charged In Theft Of 10K+ In Tools, Equipment: Cops

MASTIC, NY — A Mastic man was charged in relation to a string of larcenies in the Hamptons, police said.

According to the Quogue Village Police Department, on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 3:15 a.m., a police officer saw an unoccupied and running vehicle on County Route 104, near Old Country Road. The vehicle, police said, contained construction tools and landscaping equipment.
While investigating the "suspicious vehicle," the officer saw several individuals in a nearby wooded area who immediately fled on foot, police said. After a subsequent investigation by the Quogue Village Police Department's detective division, with assistance from Suffolk County Police, Southampton Town Police, Westhampton Beach Village Police and East Hampton Town Police, an arrest was made, police said.

Roman H. Zhinin, 21, of Mastic, was arrested on Jan. 21 at 1:10 p.m. at his home by a Quogue Village Police Department detective; he was charged with one country of third degree grand larceny, a felony; three counts of third degree criminal mischief, a felony; one count of fourth degree criminal mischief, a misdemeanor; and one count of third degree criminal trespass, a misdemeanor, police said.

More than 70 items, valued at more than $10,000 and all believed to be stolen, were recovered from Zhinin's home, police said.

Zhinin is slated for arraignment on Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Quogue Village Justice Court, police said.

The Village of Quogue, along with surrounding communities, has been "plagued" with larcenies from businesses and homes under construction for several months, police said. "Until now, extensive investigative efforts have had minor results," police said. The arrest, police said, has led to many police agencies collaborating and clearing many reported crimes; as the investigation continues, police said they believe more incidents will be cleared and items recovered.