Fourth alleged James Bond gang member pleads guilty

10-Nov-2004 • Bond News

A fourth member of the reputed "James Bond Gang" pleaded guilty this week, admitting a role in more than two dozen burglaries at homes in New Jersey and New York - reports Associated Press.

The gang, operating out of Bergen County, took its nickname from efforts it took to avoid arrest. Those included modifying a BMW with secret compartments to conceal loot and a system to deter pursuers by spreading an oil slick on the road.

The gang was responsible for losses of more than $1 million in about 50 home burglaries in Bergen, Monmouth and Morris counties in New Jersey, and Nassau and Suffolk counties and Staten Island in New York, the U.S. attorney's office said. The crimes took place between October 2000 and September 2002, prosecutors have said.

Derrick Madden, 30, of Teaneck, pleaded guilty Monday to a charge of conspiring to commit residential burglaries and transport stolen goods over state lines.

Others who have already pleaded guilty on related charges in federal court were Bruce Anderson, 37, of Englewood, and Demetrius Owen, 31, of Teaneck.

All three await sentencing. Anderson could get up to 15 years in prison, while Madden and Owen face up to five years.

Investigators are determining whether others may be charged, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie said.

A fourth person, Leon Roberts, 37, of Englewood, pleaded guilty in state court and was sentenced last year to eight years in prison, with no parole for at least 32 months.

Thanks to `Kyvan` for the alert.