NEWPORT BEACH : Burglar Sentenced in 2 Jewelry Thefts
A man who pleaded guilty to stealing jewelry from posh Newport Beach homes by posing as a utility repairman, complete with a truck containing a “cherry picker” basket, has been sentenced to 24 years in state prison, authorities said Thursday.
Daniel Principato, 37, of Venice pleaded guilty Wednesday in Orange County Superior Court to two counts of residential burglary and one count of attempted burglary in Newport Beach, Deputy Dist. Atty. Paul Odwald said.
Principato owned a green-and-white utility-style truck with a mechanized attachment commonly used to reach wires strung on power poles. He would knock on doors and tell the housekeeper or occupant that he was scheduled to repair either cable television or electrical wires, Odwald said.
Once Principato gained entry, Odwald said, “he would usually secret himself in a bedroom” and steal jewelry.
Authorities recovered jewelry worth $42,000 from Principato’s truck and clothing, Odwald said.
Principato was arrested June 9 by Newport Beach police.
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