DA: 2 arrested in 'prolific burglary ring' in Suffolk

Two men face burglary charges in a ring that committed 22 break-ins to steal jewelry, mostly on Suffolk County's North Shore, prosecutors said.

Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota called it a "prolific burglary ring" that has targeted homes in Dix Hills, Stony Brook and Setauket since November.

James Buchanan, 29, was arraigned Friday at First District Court in Central Islip on multiple counts in 21 of the 22 known burglaries.

Michael Paul is scheduled to be arraigned on multiple charges in 11 burglaries, according to Spota's office.

Buchanan was held on bail of $300,000 bond, $100,000 cash and is due back in court on May 14.

The burglaries all had a similar pattern, Spota said. The men would knock on the front door. When no one answered, they either kicked in the door or opened it using a pry bar.

Then they'd head for the master bedroom, where they took the jewelry, he said. The men would leave the home immediately, sell the jewelry and use the cash to buy heroin in North Amityville, prosecutors said.

SEE PHOTOSNotable LI crimes