James Hakkenberg, 47, pleaded guilty to one count of burglary in the second degree, a class C felony, in Albany County Court Thursday, May 1.
On the afternoon of June 19, 2013, Hakkenberg forcibly entered a home on Bender Lane in the Town of Bethlehem and stole several items from the residence, including a laptop, digital camera, cash and jewelry.
Two days later, Hakkenberg forcibly entered a home on Columbine Drive in the Town of Bethlehem and stole several items from the residence, including electronics, a television, collectible baseball and hockey cards, as well as 2009 Honda CRV. He broke a window to enter the home and cut himself in the process. DNA analysis of the blood left at the scene was confirmed to be his.
Additionally, during the afternoon of June 24, 2013, Hakkenberg was observed on Richards Drive in the Town of Colonie attempting to break into a residence by a neighbor who called the police. Hakkenberg, equipped with burglar’s tools, including a pry bar, was apprehended in the back yard of the residence. Police determined that Hakkenberg had driven the previously stolen 2009 Honda CRV from the Bethlehem burglary to the house in Colonie.
Hakkenberg faces 12 years in state prison, to be followed by five years of postrRelease supervision when sentenced on May 29.
Assistant District Attorney Matthew Hauf of the Major Offense Unit handled the prosecution of this case.
