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Alex Hines, 47, of West Hempstead, was arraigned on Thursday, Sept. 12 and arraigned on a 54-count indictment for breaking into vehicles between February last year and August this year.
- Hines has been charged with:
- Two counts of third-degree grand larceny;
- Four counts of fourth-degree grand larceny;
- Twenty counts of criminal possession of stolen property;
- Three counts of criminal mischief;
- Scheme to defraud;
- Three counts of second-degree identity theft;
- Ten counts of third-degree identity theft, and;
- Eleven counts of petit larceny.
Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said that Hines allegedly broke into 13 locked and unlocked cars and stole credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, cash and other items from the vehicles.
Hines then allegedly used the cards at CVS, Home Depot, Rite Aid and 7-Eleven stores to buy gift cards that he sold for cash to purchase drugs and food.
The alleged crimes happened outside victims’ homes and CVS stores in Oyster Bay, Hicksville, Valley Stream, Syosset, Bethpage, Rockville Centre, East Meadow, Roslyn, Franklin Square, and Hempstead.
Singas said that in many instances the cards, wallets and other items such as cell phones were left out in plain view in parked cars or glove compartments, consoles and on the floor. If the vehicle was locked, Hines allegedly shattered a window to gain entry to the vehicle.
In total, Hines stole more than $10,000. He was arrested on May 11 by Nassau County Police Department detectives.
“For more than a year, this defendant broke into cars across Nassau County and allegedly stole more than $10,000 during this crime spree,” Singas said. “Thanks to great detective work this defendant was apprehended and will now be accountable for his alleged crimes. This case is a reminder to lock your car doors and to take any items of value with you before you leave your car.”
Hines' bail was continued at $100,000 bond or $50,000 cash bail. He is scheduled to appear back in court on Monday, Oct. 7. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison on the top charge.
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