Montco Serial Burglar Gets Long Jail Term For Dozens Of Break-Ins
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) - A serial burglar is headed to state prison for at least 17½ years for breaking into more than forty homes in several municipalities throughout Montgomery County, Pa. between July and December of 2008.
Christopher Homoney apologized to his victims and told the judge his crimes were fueled by his addiction to painkillers, but Judge Richard Hodgson told the 44-year-old Harleysville, Pa. man that he had had the opportunity to get help for his drug problem but didn't.
Judge Hodgson sentenced Homoney to 17½-35 years behind bars for the break-ins in Abington, Bridgeport, Collegeville, East Norriton, Lansdale, Montgomery, Upper Dublin, Upper Providence, West Norriton, and Whitpain Township.
Prosecutor James Staerk says Homoney took more than personal property from his victims.
"By violating the sanctity of their home, that's one place where people like to go to feel secure and comfortable, and that's taken away forever when you're the victim of a burglary," Staerk told KYW Newsradio today.
He says Homoney has an extensive criminal background and has done jail time before, but that apparently didn't deter him from committing more crimes.
Prosecutors say much of the stolen jewelry, valued at more than $25,000, was pawned. Some of the homeowners did get their property back.
Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio 1060
