The men made off with more than two thousand dollars in jewelry, but not before police arrived and arrested them all red-handed right in Matheo's front yard.
Eyewitness News has learned that one of the alleged robbers is a detective in the NYPD Special Victims Unit. Detective Rafael Astacio has been with the department for nearly 19 years. He is now being charged with burglary.
"It's sad, what can I say? You pay somebody to protect you and then they go against you," said Matheos.
According to the criminal complaint, Astacio knowingly and unlawfully entered in a building with intent to commit a crime.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly says the department is cooperating with investigators, which include the FBI.
At Astacio's home in /*Copiague*/, a steady group of visitors went in and out on Tuesday. Astacio himself, though never appeared. Neighbors say he's a married father of two and always seems to work hard.
"I always see him work; he takes care of his family seems like the average Joe," said neighbor Peter Crooker.
Astacio has been suspended without pay.
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