Serial ‘Ninja Burglar' Captured After Decade of Break-Ins: Prosecutor

He was dubbed the "ninja burglar" after a homeowner said he fought a burglar dressed in black who was swinging nunchucks

New York City's notorious "ninja burglar" allegedly confessed to committing a decade's worth of break-ins that plagued Staten Island, the local district attorney said Wednesday.

Robert Costanzo, 46, is believed to have targeted more than 100 homes in wealthy neighborhoods on Staten Island, making off with $4 million in property, said Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon.

Costanzo was arraigned Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to three counts of second-degree burglary. He is expected to change his plea to guilty on Thursday, McMahon said.

"I'm very proud to announce the arrest and arraignment of the ninja burglar," McMahon said at a news conference.

He added that prosecutors couldn't file additional charges because the statute of limitations had expired on the other burglaries.

The thief was dubbed the "ninja burglar" after a homeowner said he fought a burglar dressed in black who was swinging nunchucks in his kitchen. 

Officials initially said a group of Albanian-Macedonian nationals were responsible for the burglaries. 

Costanzo arrived in New York City after pleading guilty to home invasion and burglary in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Police in Connecticut said they arrested Costanzo after he made a cellphone call from a crime scene and investigators were able to track the call. 

Costanzo is also a registered sex offender, having admitted to raping four women in Florida in the 1990s.

Staten Islanders said they were relieved to hear an arrest had been made in the 10-year crime spree.

"Now we can sleep a little better at night," said Anna Brunk. 

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