Police: Brooklyn Man Charged In 17 LI Burglaries Stole $300,000 In Jewelry, Goods

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A New York City man was arrested in connection to a string of burglaries on Long Island, according to police.

According to authorities, Mamuka Bokuchava, 31, of Brooklyn, was charged after allegedly burglarizing 17 homes in Port Washington and surrounding areas, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.

Nassau County Police Chief Kevin Smith said the alleged burglar entered the homes through a rear door or rear window of the house in each case. 

Police later swept Bokuchava's apartment on Bay Parkway, finding thousands of dollars worth of jewelry, designer purses and sunglasses, authorities said. It is estimated that Bokuchava stole $300,000 worth of goods, 1010 WINS' Roger Stern reported. 

"There was so much property that we're actually still going through it, Smith said. "And as we're able to identify certain pieces of property that respond to a certain case, we bring those people in to identify."

Smith said he does not know why Bokuchava never pawned or tried to sell the jewelry.

According to Smith, Bokuchava began breaking into homes in November 2014.

Bokuchava was arraigned Saturday. Prosecutors say he is a waiter at an upscale Manhattan restaurant.

His attorney, Tara Whelan, says he is his family's sole provider. His wife and child attended his court appearance.

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