CPD arrests man for burglarizing foreclosed home
He might be responsible for a string of similar robberies in the area.
Published April 23, 2010
The Columbia Police Department made an arrest for a possible string of burglaries in foreclosed homes.
Mostafa Jawadi, 65, of Columbia, was arrested March 22 for stealing shelving from a vacant home. CPD spokeswoman Jessie Haden said it is possible Jawadi is responsible for three other burglaries in Columbia involving vacant, foreclosed houses with stolen items including washers, dryers and shelving units.
"It was real interesting, because obviously this house was vacant," Haden said.
Columbia realty company House of Brokers manages foreclosed, vacant properties in Columbia in contract with Freddie Mac, Haden said. A real estate agent from House of Brokers was keeping an eye on a vacant property when she noticed a van pull up in the driveway.
"It was a white Dodge Caravan and there was no license on the front and the garage door was open," Haden said. "As the police car pulled in, he was sort of peeking out and ended up shutting the garage door."
Haden said the real estate agent who spotted the van started asking questions.
"He told her he had a key, and (the real estate agent) said nobody should have a key but her," Haden said.
Freddie Mac has a system where a standard key opens all of its houses, so the company tries to be very careful with their key control, Haden said. Somehow, Jawadi had gotten in possession of two of these master keys, and he claimed he had a right to be there because he had one. Haden said Jawadi also has a real estate agent's license.
"He kept giving reasons to be there, and none of them were accurate," Haden said. "He was taking shelving from the house and loading them into the van."
Jawadi was taken to CPD to be processed and then was taken to Boone County Jail, Haden said. Jawadi has since posted bond.
Haden said there have been four burglaries of this nature since January and one in 2009, with most of the reports happening on the outskirts of Columbia. Boone County Sheriff's Department Detective Tom O'Sullivan also assisted in questioning Jawadi at CPD.
"(Jawadi) is very likely responsible for these other burglaries, but he did not make incriminating statements in regards to that," Haden said.
There have not been any burglary reports at foreclosed homes since Jawadi's arrest. Haden said this might be a good indicator of Jawadi's involvement in other incidents.
"If it stops, chances are you got the right person," she said.