WOBURN — A New York man pleaded guilty Wednesday to breaking into 10 homes belonging to Asian or South Asian families across eastern Massachusetts, stealing approximately $200,000 worth of property.
Juan Castano, 32, admitted to targeting residences in Newton, Wellesley, Andover and Quincy between June and July 2021.
Prosecutors said he specifically chose homes based on the ethnicity of the residents.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said Castano traveled from New York to commit the crimes, which included stealing currency, designer watches, jewelry and a handgun.
“His plan not only violated the victims’ sense of safety, but, in one instance, he created a physical threat for the family, including children, who were at home during the break,” Ryan said.
Investigators used geolocation and cell tower data to link Castano to the crime scenes.
They said he initially scouted homes by approaching front doors with a clipboard before breaking windows or glass doors to gain entry.
Judge Patrick Haggan sentenced Castano to 4-5 years in state prison, to be served consecutively with a 5.5 to 11 year sentence he is currently serving in New York for similar offenses.
Castano will also face three years of probation upon release.
A co-defendant, Wendy Reyes, is scheduled for trial on April 14, 2025.
