Police: L.I. Superintendent Charged With Stealing From Apartments Where He Works

EAST MORICHES, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A superintendent at a Long Island senior community was behind bars Friday night, after admitting to a month-long burglary spree that featured him using his master key to gain entry.

Walden Pond is a gated community for residents 55 and older. Police said the security breach came from within.

"I noticed all six rings were missing," John Madigan told CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff.

Madigan's rings disappeared from his bedroom jewelry box. The alleged thief is the super of the adult community. John Alaia, 37, who was recently hired for a maintenance job, allegedly helped himself to dozens of pieces of jewelry.

He told police he used the master key, Gusoff reported.

"He would take only some items and leave many behind, so as to not alert the residents," Suffolk County Police Det. Lt. Gail Marrero said.

One tenant had no idea his beloved college ring vanished from his top dresser drawer.

"Your college class ring has your name inscribed on the inside of it, so he took what appeared to be like a Dremel tool and tried to obliterate my name," Bill Hempfling said.

Alaia is accused of walking off with jewelry from at least six units, including one while the resident attended her husband's funeral, Gusoff reported.

"That shocks me because I don't think they should have access to any of this. It should be my lock, not theirs. If they want to come in, they notify me and I'll be here," Madigan said.

"I don't like it, but I know they have to in case something happens in the apartment and they have to get in," tenant Phyllis Schoen added.

Police said Alaia pawned the jewels to support a drug habit. Attorney Daniel Sullivan said Alaia has no criminal history. Alaia, who also lives in the complex, entered a not guilty plea.

"The judge set pretty substantial bail in the matter, so it's going to take some time to look into it," Sullivan said.

Experts advise if master keys are in use that you monitor your apartment with an inexpensive motion detector webcam. Make sure to use a password to insure no one else can look in. Also, keep jewelry out of sight in less obvious places -- even in your own home.

"What's annoying is I tipped him well both times he was in here," Hempfling said.

The silver lining here is much of the jewelry was expected to make its way home. Suffolk police said they had recovered a large number of pieces, Gusoff reported.

Detectives are encouraging residents of the complex to call the Seventh Squad at 631-852-8752 if they have any missing items, especially jewelry.

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