An Alameda man pleaded guilty today to a four-county, Bay-Area home-burglary spree that included
Kariem McFarlin, 35, was convicted of eight counts of residential burglary and one count of possessing stolen property, all felonies.
He could face up to seven years and eight months in prison when sentenced on Jan. 17, 2013.
From at least March 2011 to July 2012, McFarlin targeted homes in affluent neighborhoods that appeared vacant while under construction or being remodeled.
In addition to the Palo Alto burglary, McFarlin admitted breaking into two homes in Marin County, four homes in San Francisco County and one home in Alameda County.
He also admitted keeping hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of property from those burglaries at his home and storage locker in Alameda.
McFarlin’s stolen haul included computers, jewelry, furniture and a solid silver bar.
“This case can serve as a warning to families who may leave their homes for an extended period – either for vacation or while the home is under construction,” Deputy District Attorney Thomas Flattery said Wednesday
“An empty, unprotected house is like low hanging fruit to thieves. Lock doors. Use alarms. Take precautions.”
On Aug. 2, McFarlin was arrested in Alameda.
He has been in custody for lack of $500,000 bail.
The plea was a result of cooperation between District Attorney’s Offices in Santa Clara, Marin, San Francisco and Alameda counties.
