New Bedford Burglar Admits to Break-Ins, Sentenced to Prison Time

NEW BEDFORD — A serial burglar from New Bedford has pleaded guilty to two more break-ins at city homes, and will spend up to five years in prison for the crimes.

The Bristol County District Attorney's Office says 33-year-old Joel Reyes has "a lengthy history" of convictions for similar crimes.

He was convicted of breaking and entering during the nighttime and during the daytime as well as larceny from a building in connection to two break-ins in 2021.

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One victim didn't know that her home had been broken into until her son reported his PlayStation was missing on Feb. 24, 2021, according to the D.A.'s office.

She checked her surveillance cameras and saw a man broke into the house during the day, while her 11-year-old daughter was home.

Reyes had gone inside, crept upstairs, and stole the gaming console from the boy's bedroom.

Later that year, in August, New Bedford police were sent to an apartment building Washington Street at 3:50 a.m. for a report of a strange man inside.

Officers arrived to find Reyes in the basement, claiming a friend called "Junior" said he could use the building's laundry facilities.

The D.A.'s office said no one by that name lived there.

Inside a backpack Reyes had with him, police found a red power drill owned by one of the building's tenants.

According to the D.A.'s office, Reyes has previously served time in county jail other burglaries, larcenies, and assaults.