A burglar who evaded the police for years and netted millions in stolen property has been sentenced to two decades behind bars. Authorities said Robert Neese broke into hundred of homes whose owners were away by throwing rocks through a window. The 60-year-old, known as the “Rock Burglar,” is believed to have stolen $10 million in cash, jewelry, and other property over the course of nearly two decades.
Police found a footprint in a burgled Fountain Hills home two years ago that eventually led them to arrest Neese for a series of break-ins between 1999 and 2004. He was convicted on multiple counts of burglary and theft this spring.
Wednesday, Neese was sentenced to 22 years and nine months in prison, though he will get credit for the two years he has been locked up since he was arrested.