Suffolk cops make arrests in several burglaries, including home break-in and 9 commercial thefts

A pair of alleged burglars — one armed with a knife — have been indicted on charges they broke into the home of an 88-year-old Nesconset man who suffered a laceration to his hand while confronting the intruders, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Caesar C. Powell, 29, and Tara Barton, 23, both of Rocky Point, pleaded not guilty to charges of first-, second- and third-degree burglary. Powell was also charged with two counts of possessing burglar’s tools.

"This was undoubtedly a terrifying ordeal for the homeowner, but thanks to his quick thinking, the assistance from his grandson and the swift response from the Suffolk County Police Department, the defendants were apprehended immediately upon leaving the home," said Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy Sini.

According to the district attorney’s office, the 88-year-old man heard noise and saw flashlights inside his Gibbs Pond Road home at about 9:25 p.m. on Aug. 9. He called his grandson, who called 911.

The victim got a knife and hid in his kitchen, according to prosecutors. While confronting the defendants, the victim sustained a laceration on his hand that required stitches, prosecutors said.

The defendants then left the home, but were confronted by Suffolk Police Officer Daniel Naglieri, who took the pair into custody, prosecutors said.

Powell was armed with a knife and a screwdriver, prosecutors said.

"This was an extremely frightening incident for the homeowner, who, despite having two strangers break into his home, was able to call for help and fight off the pair," Suffolk County Police Acting Commissioner Stuart Cameron said. "I would like to commend the victim for his bravery, Officer Naglieri for the swift apprehension of these defendants, and the District Attorney’s Office for holding them accountable."

The district attorney's office said Barton and Powell are romatically involved.

Barton’s attorney Christopher Brocato said his client denies involvement. Brocato added that the victim told authorities he cut himself accidentally.

"At this point, my client’s still denying she was there or went in the house," said Brocato. "Certainly, if what they said is true, it’s a terrible case."

Powell’s attorney did not respond to a message seeking comment.

Bail was set for Powell at $150,000 cash, $300,000 bond, or $500,000 partially-secured bond. Bail was set for Barton at $75,000 cash, $150,000 bond, or $300,000 partially-secured bond.

Also Wednesday, Suffolk police said they arrested Anthony Myles, 57, of Bay Shore, in connection with nine commercial burglaries since June 3.

Myles was charged with nine counts of third-degree burglary and is set to be arraigned Sept. 3.

According to police, Myles kicked in the front door of the businesses and stole property. Police said Myles burglarized the following properties:

• Church of God, located at 55 Pine Aire Drive in North Bay Shore, on June 3 at approximately 10:20 a.m.
• iLoveKickboxing, located at 1746 Eastbound Sunrise Highway in Bay Shore, on June 30 at approximately 12:35 a.m.
• Lori’s Dance Center, located at 126 East Main St. in East Islip, on July 1 at approximately 12:15 a.m.
• Subway, located at 1750 5th Ave. in North Bay Shore, on July 7 at approximately 11:35 p.m.
• Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, located at 1434 Straight Path in Wyandanch, on July 9 at approximately 5:05 a.m.
• Dominican Restaurant, located at 1897 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park, on July 26 at approximately 1:05 a.m.
• Legworks Dance Studio, located at 1040 Montauk Highway in Mastic, on July 27 at approximately 1:10 a.m.
• Best Kitchen, located at 787 Udall Road in West Islip, on August 7 at approximately 4:05 a.m.
• Dream Style Barber, located at 1239 Sunrise Highway in Bay Shore, on August 14 at approximately 11:30 p.m.

By Nicole Fuller

nicole.fuller@newsday.com@NicoleFuller

Nicole Fuller is Newsday's senior criminal justice reporter. She began working at Newsday in 2012 and previously covered local government.