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| TROY THOMAS: OFF TO JAIL! |
Randy!
LOS ANGELES – The suspected ringleader of the “Hillside Burglars” – a sophisticated crew who stole millions of dollars worth of cash and property from executives and celebrities -- pleaded no contest today to residential burglary and agreed to make full restitution to the victims.
Deputy District Attorney Christopher Curtis said Troy Corsby Thomas, 47, entered the plea just as jury selection was set to begin. He was immediately sentenced by Airport Superior Court Judge Antonio Barreto to 17 years in state prison.
In exchange for his plea, prosecutors agreed to drop the five additional counts of first-degree residential burglary. However, as part of the plea, Thomas agreed to make full restitution to all six victims. Curtis said the estimated loss in diamonds, Rolex watches and cash is about $675,000. A restitution hearing will be set later.
Thomas, who lived in West Hills, is suspected of being the ringleader of a sophisticated burglary crew that preyed on homes in Bel-Air, Beverly Hills and Holmby Hills and the hills above Encino and Sherman Oaks. In a four-year period, police believe the “Hillside Burglars” targeted dozens of homes and stole millions of dollars in high-end jewelry and cash.
Thomas, who described himself as an auto broker, was arrested in January 2009, after LAPD detectives matched DNA left at the scene of one residential burglary to his. No other members of the crew have been arrested or charged.
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