New Jersey and New York Men Arrested for Alleged Links to Joe Burrow Burglary Incident

Two men have been arrested in connection with a series of high-profile burglaries across the United States, including a notable case involving Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. The arrests of Dimitriy Nezhinskiy from North Bergen, New Jersey, and Juan Villar from Queens, New York, took place on Tuesday, following a thorough investigation by law enforcement officials.

Charges and Allegations

The two suspects face serious charges. According to the Eastern District of New York, they are accused of “conspiracy to receive stolen property” due to their involvement in the purchase of stolen items that were transported across state lines. Nezhinskiy and Villar are expected to appear in court for their arraignment on Wednesday.

Connections to an International Crime Group

These men allegedly acted as “fences” for an international crime group based in South America. Law enforcement links them to Bryan Leandro Herrera Maldonado, a notorious burglar who reportedly committed up to 16 burglaries across the U.S. between 2019 and 2020, primarily targeting luxury goods.

Burrow Incident Tied to Arrest

Notably, Nezhinskiy is believed to have connections to at least two associates involved in the December 9, 2024, burglary targeting Burrow’s residence. Sources indicate that Burrow’s home was specifically targeted during the athlete’s absence when he was in Dallas for a game.

Search Warrant Execution and Evidence Seizure

Authorities executed search warrants at a pawn shop the two men operated in New York City’s Diamond District. The search reportedly uncovered a significant amount of suspected stolen property, including an array of high-end watches, jewelry, and a substantial amount of cash and marijuana.

Additional Findings in New Jersey

Another search conducted at a storage facility in New Jersey, allegedly linked to Nezhinskiy, yielded impressive results. Investigators reported the recovery of luxury goods, clothing, high-end handbags, sports memorabilia, jewelry, artwork, and even tools typically used in burglaries.

Previous Arrests and Ongoing Investigations

These recent arrests come just weeks after four Chilean nationals were taken into custody for their role in the Burrow burglary. During those arrests, police recovered items including an old LSU shirt and a Bengals hat, which are believed to have been stolen from Burrow’s home.

The Impact on Joe Burrow

The burglary occurred while Burrow was away, prompting concern for his privacy. Olivia Ponton, a model and social media influencer, alerted the police to the incident.

In a media availability shortly following the break-in, Burrow addressed the violation of his privacy. He articulated the struggles of maintaining personal boundaries in the public eye, stating, “I feel like my privacy has been violated in more ways than one. Still learning. But I understand it’s the life that we choose. Doesn’t make it any easier to deal with.” This statement underscores the broader issues faced by public figures regarding personal security and privacy.

Next Steps for Law Enforcement

As the investigation continues, authorities remain vigilant in tracking down other potential suspects linked to this series of burglaries. The collaboration across various law enforcement agencies highlights the seriousness of these crimes and their pervasive impact.

Overall, the community remains concerned about safety as details about these incidents continue to emerge. Authorities urge individuals to report any suspicious activity, particularly in areas known for high-value targets.