Two men accused of selling high-end stolen goods, including valuables taken from NFL star Joe Burrow’s home, pleaded not guilty in a New York City court on Wednesday. The suspects, 43-year-old Dmitriy Nezhinskiy from New Jersey and 48-year-old Juan Villar from Queens, were arrested after an FBI raid on their Diamond District pawn shop.
Ties to Organized Crime and Luxury Goods Theft
According to prosecutors, Nezhinskiy and Villar received and resold stolen luxury items such as watches and jewelry. These goods were allegedly taken by organized South American burglary gangs that have been targeting multimillion-dollar homes across the United States. Authorities believe Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, was one of their high-profile victims.
Prosecutors told the court that the two men “created a marketplace that promotes burglary,” allowing thieves to profit from their crimes. During the investigation, law enforcement also discovered a firearm in a storage unit in New Jersey. However, Nezhinskiy’s lawyer, Todd Greenberg, stated that his client had no knowledge of the gun’s ownership.
Criminal Backgrounds and Bail Hearings
Nezhinskiy, originally from Georgia (the country), has been in the U.S. since the 1990s and has a criminal record, including past charges of disorderly conduct, larceny, and possession of forged documents. Despite this, he was granted release on a $1 million bond with home detention. His father is securing the bail by offering two condos he owns.
Villar also has a prior criminal record, including an assault charge. His wife, a New York City teacher, and a friend attempted to post $250,000 for his bail. However, the judge ruled that the amount was insufficient. Prosecutors argued that both men pose a flight risk and a danger to the community.
Judge Orders Home Detention for Now
Despite the prosecution’s push for detention, the judge ruled that the suspects would be placed under home arrest once bail conditions are met. Villar’s attorney, Luarino Guzman, questioned the prosecution’s stance, stating, “At this time, the judge has indicated they’re going to be under home arrest. How is it that they’re going to be a danger to the community?”
For now, both men remain in custody. Nezhinskiy will be released once the necessary paperwork is completed, while Villar is set to return to court on Thursday to present a new bail offer. Both defendants are scheduled to appear in court again on Friday.
This case highlights the growing issue of organized theft rings targeting luxury homes and selling stolen goods through underground markets. Authorities are cracking down on these networks, and the arrests of Nezhinskiy and Villar mark a significant step in disrupting such operations.
However, questions remain about their level of involvement and whether they will be able to secure their release. As the legal proceedings continue, investigators will likely uncover more details about the extent of their alleged crimes.
