Facebook Tip Helped Police ID Suspects in Pizzeria Burglary

The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation would like to thank members of the public who helped identify two suspects who were wanted for questioning in a burglary investigation.

The two, a Mahopac resident and a man from the Bronx, now face felony charges.

When Peppino’s Pizzeria on Route 6 in Somers was burglarized Aug. 9, police said whoever gained access to the restaurant stole an unknown amount of cash and a debit card.

They quickly got a lead, as word came that the debit card had been used on the same day to make a purchase at the Westchester Mall in White Plains. Security camera photos showed two men.

State police sent the photo to the media and posted it on Facebook. Shortly after the photo was posted to Facebook, an anonymous Facebook follower revealed the identity of one of the suspects, police said.

Blerim Behluli, 24, of the Bronx was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th Degree, a Class E Felony, on Sept. 10. Behluli was arraigned before the City of White Plains Court and sent to the Westchester County Jail.

On Sept. 30, Xhem Hoti, 25, of Mahopac, was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th Degree, a Class E Felony. Hoti was also arraigned in the City of White Plains Court and returned to the Putnam County Jail.

The State Police were assisted by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department.

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