WKBW-TV (Buffalo, New York)

August 26, 2008

Illegal Immigrants Targeted in Home Invasions

By John Borsa

Four people have been arrested and charged with a series of home invasions targeting illegal immigrants in the area.

The victims, mostly migrant workers who are employed at Western New York farms, were told they would be killed or deported if they reported the incidents to police, authorities said.

Jessica Burgos, 24, of Mt. Morris in Livingston County, is charged with first degree robbery.

Paulino Valentin Otano, 26, of Mt. Morris, Jorge Martinez Cruz, 22, of Mt. Morris and Gonzalo Moya Hernandez, 16, of Perry, Wyoming County, are also charged with robbery.

There have been at least eight strong armed robberies and home invasions during the past six weeks, according to police. In most cases, the victims were tied up, beaten and then robbed of cash or items.

On Aug. 7, workers at Swiss Valley Farm on Buck Road in Warsaw, were attacked. One of the victims was seriously injured and had to be hospitalized at Erie County Medical Center.