Police say 24-year-old Samuel Reeder, who resides in the unit block of New Brook Street in Newark is charged with the burglaries. Reeder was arrested by probation and parole officers and was later found to be in possession of a stolen lighter.
The robberies happened in the Pike Creek area. The first was in the unit block of White Clay Crescent Drive in the community of Drummond North. The second happened in the 200 block of Ware Road in the community of Meeting House Hill. The third occurred in the 300 block of Ware Road in the community of Meeting House Hill.
Police say that in each case, the suspect forced his way into the homes through a rear door and ransacked the homes - stealing cash, jewelry, lap top computers, and a 42-inch television.
However, it was the unique cigarette lighter in Reeder's possession that matched the description of one that was stolen in the burglary spree in Pike Creek.
Detectives then spoke with the probation officers who noted seeing electronic equipment inside Reeders' home that was consistent with the items that had been taken in the burglaries. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the home and located the stolen property from the Pike Creek burglaries.
Reeder has been charged with maintaining a dwelling for keeping heroin, possession of heroin, possession of a hypodermic needle, and possession of marijuana. He was also linked to the burglary spree and charged with three counts of burglary, three counts felony theft and two counts of criminal mischief.
He has been arraigned and committed to the Howard Young Prison after failing to post $37,500 secured bail.
