An Allentown man admitted Monday to his role in a large-scale burglary ring that operated throughout Lehigh County and nearby areas, according to authorities.
Roger Juan Tirado, 53, pleaded guilty to charges of corrupt organizations, receiving stolen property, prohibited possession of a firearm, and 16 counts of burglary, according to District Attorney Gavin Holihan. Tirado, who faces a possible sentence of 137-357 years in prison, will be sentenced in June.
Tirado was one of several people charged in 2024 for a burglary ring that stole $160,000 worth of items and burglarized homes in Lehigh, Northampton and Berks counties, as well as at least one home in New Jersey, the DA’s office said in a news release.
Lehigh County authorities began investigating burglaries or attempted burglaries as far back as 2019 in Allentown, Bethlehem, Emmaus, Lower Macungie Township, Salisbury Township, South Whitehall Township, Upper Saucon Township, Upper Milford Township and Whitehall Township, the DA said.
Investigators noticed the burglars entered the homes by prying open doors or windows, or through an unlocked door, and most of the burglaries happened during the day, authorities said. Residents and children were sometimes home, and the defendants would flee after they were discovered, police said. More than 30 guns, as well as jewelry, coins, financial documents and electronics have been recovered in the investigation.
Several others charged have since pleaded guilty. One defendant, Jonathan Mendez, has not been arrested. Another defendant is awaiting a hearing to determine competency, the DA’s office said. Tirado remains in Lehigh County Jail on $300,000 bail.