New York Man Sentenced for Targeting Asian and Asian-American Business Owners in Burglary Scheme

NEWARK, NJ – James Hurt, a 48-year-old man from New York, has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for his involvement in a conspiracy that specifically targeted Asian and Asian-American small business owners across multiple states.

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the sentencing, which took place in Newark federal court under U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin.

Hurt previously pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. This charge stemmed from activities spanning from December 2, 2016, to March 20, 2019, during which Hurt and his co-conspirators burglarized homes of Asian small business owners in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The group targeted these individuals for their valuable jewelry, large sums of money, and other items, subsequently transporting the stolen goods across state lines.

In addition to his prison term, Judge Padin has also sentenced Hurt to three years of supervised release. This case highlights a disturbing pattern of targeting specific communities for criminal activities and underscores the efforts of federal law enforcement to address and deter such targeted criminal behavior.

Brooklyn, NY – On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at approximately 4:07 a.m., a 60-year-old male was assaulted and had his car stolen near 59 Bogart Street.

An unknown individual approached the victim, punched him in the face, and took his car keys. The assailant then fled in the victim’s vehicle in an unknown direction. The victim was treated on scene for minor injuries.

The suspect is described as a male with a medium complexion, heavy build, approximately 5’9″ tall. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black jeans, tan work boots, and a black cap with white lettering.

Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists (NJ-SPJ) expressed disappointment over Governor Phil Murphy’s signing of Bill S2930, which significantly alters the Open Public Records Act (OPRA). NJ-SPJ President P. Kenneth Burns issued a statement condemning the bill and its implications.

“We are disappointed that Gov. Phil Murphy has signed Bill S2930, which drastically changes the Open Public Records Act. We refuse to call this the reform that Sen. Paul Sarlo wants to sell this as,” Burns stated. “While we agree with the governor that laws must keep up with the times, this bill does the opposite. It will make it much harder to obtain public records. There will be no incentive for any agency or government to follow the law. Anyone who wants to betray the public trust will now have an easier time to do so.”

Burns highlighted that, despite passing with bipartisan support, the bill has faced broader bipartisan criticism. “Sen. Anthony Bucco might have been a prime sponsor of the bill, but he did not vote for it. We would like to know why he didn’t take a stand, but OPRA already prevents us from finding out.”

He emphasized that time will reveal the negative impact of the bill on New Jersey. “Sadly, when this happens, the Legislature will not be as quick to implement the necessary changes,” Burns warned.

NJ-SPJ Board Member Isaac Avilucea added, “Gov. Murphy’s reasons for signing this bill read like a vapid monologue of caveats and self-congratulations. Well, congratulations, Governor. History will remember this as the day you signed OPRA’s death warrant.”