Wayne County District Attorney A.G. Howell announced that on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, a jury seated in Wayne County, and presided over by President Judge Janine Edwards, convicted Jehovah Maldonado, 26, of Long Pond PA, for burglarizing a residence at 442 Bone Ridge Road, Paupack PA. The jury convicted Mr. Maldonado of the burglary, criminal trespass an theft, all felonies. Judge Edwards set the sentencing date for December 2, 2021. After the guilty verdict, the jury also convicted Mr. Maldonado of illegal possession of a firearm.
On September 6, 2020, the homeowners found that someone had broken into their house by forcing open a rear basement door. The homeowners related that they had video surveillance of the outside and inside of the residence. A male and a female actor were seen in the video surveillance inside taking things. Mr. Maldonado was seen in the video carrying a firearm.
The homeowner determined that handguns, jewelry, and cash were taken during the burglary.
During the investigation, Pennsylvania State Police determined that co-defendants were located in a hotel in Lackawanna County and they were subsequently arrested on outstanding warrants. A search of the hotel room revealed a bag of jewelry containing several rings, including specific jewelry from the burglarized residence.
During an interview, a co-defendant admitted to breaking into the house with a male that she knew as “Hov” a/k/a Jehovah Maldonado and stealing guns, jewelry and cash.
On September 11, 2020, PA State Police Trooper arrested a male named Darnell Anthony Moment a/k/a “PRINCE” on a traffic stop. When Mr. Moment was taken into custody, the State Police observed a silver handgun in plain view sitting in the center console cup holder. This gun was the same gun stolen from the residence and later sold by Mr. Maldonado to Mr. Moment.
District Attorney Howell thanks the jury for their time and service. Jury service is an indispensable and vital aspect of the criminal justice system. The District Attorney’s Office and law enforcement continue the pursuit of justice either by pleas from defendants or by jury trial when defendants refuse to accept responsibility for their actions.
