Cedrick Williams
A man involved in four business burglaries in which thieves smashed their way inside businesses has been sentenced to four years in state prison.
Cedrick A. Williams, 40, entered guilty pleas on Tuesday before Criminal Court Judge Tom Greenholtz.
The group targeted Hispanic-owned businesses, police said.
On March 8, 2017, Tienda Maya located at 1939 Central Ave. was burglarized.
One week later, The Stumble Inn, 2925 Rossville Blvd., and Tienda Ramirez, 2437 Rossville Blvd., were burglarized. In both burglaries a stolen truck was used during the break-in. The truck was later located and recovered.
Then on March 23, another Hispanic business was hit. This break-in was at El Paisani, 4700 Rossville Blvd. Williams was caught on video and the detective working the case recognized him from previous arrests.
The detective handling the El Paisani burglary went to Williams' home. During the search of the home on Cannon Avenue, the detective found clothing the suspect was wearing during the burglary. The detective later located Williams in the 1700 block of E. 23rd St. During questioning, he admitted to committing the burglary at El Paisani, along with the other burglaries.
Williams is a felon, but he was allowed to plead as a Range One offender, meaning he is eligible for parole consideration after serving 30 percent of the term.
Prosecutor Jason Demastus said there were issues about how evidence was obtained during the investigation.
Williams has been in jail since his arrest in March of last year.