Three arrested in home invasions

Updated: 08/23/08 6:58 AM


Three Livingston County residents have been arrested in connection with a series of home invasion robberies targeting immigrant workers.

Arrested were Paul V. Otano, 26, of Murray Street, Mount Morris; Jorge L. M. Cruz, 22, of Robin Lane, Mount Morris; and Gonzalo M. Hernandez, 16, of Sliver Lake Road, Perry. Both Otano and Cruz were charged with second-degree robbery and sent to the Livingston County jail in lieu of $50,000 bond. Hernandez faces a first-degree robbery charge and was sent to the Wyoming County jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Local law enforcement from several agencies, including the U. S. Attorney’s Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, state police, the sheriff’s offices of Wyoming, Livingston and Genesee counties, and the Mount Morris Police Department were involved in the investigation.

Authorities credited intensive round-the-clock surveillance, along with assistance from the victims, farmers and the Farm Bureau.

Investigators have determined that over the past six weeks, at least eight home invasions took place while many of the victims were still in bed asleep. In some cases, police said, the victims were bound and beaten. One was so severely beaten that he had to be transferred from Wyoming County Hospital to the Erie County Medical Center to be treated for head injuries. That victim has since been released from the hospital, according to police.

Authorities said many of the victims were illegal immigrants who were fearful of reporting the crimes against them because they risked deportation by contacting authorities.

As a result of the cooperative efforts of the U. S. Attorney’s Office and Immigration and Customs, none of the victims is being deported as a result of reporting these crimes, police said.

The multi-agency task force is continuing its investigation and more arrests are expected.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to call their local 911 center or local police agency.




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