Burglary crew ringleader gets 56-year prison term

SAN DIEGO

The ringleader of a burglary crew that targeted 43 homes in San Diego County and took more than $1 million in cash and jewelry was sentenced Monday to 56 years in state prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

George Boozer, 48, pleaded guilty earlier this year in San Diego Superior Court to 72 counts that included residential burglary and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Boozer’s criminal history includes robbery and assault with a firearm in connection with a botched jewelry store heist in San Juan Capistrano that left two of his then-crew members dead after the store owner shot them in 2011.

He was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2015, according to The Orange County Registrar.

In the latest case, prosecutors say he led a crew that included eight other defendants. That crew targeted homes from Chula Vista to Carlsbad between February 2021 and July 2022. The burglars wore hoods, masks and dark clothing, the District Attorney’s Office said.

Three other defendants have also pleaded guilty and await sentencing, while the other defendants might still go to trial.

One of Boozer’s co-defendants helped case aff luent neighborhoods for homes the crew targeted, while another co-defendant took part in stealing property from homes and pepper sprayed some homeowners’ dogs during the crimes, prosecutors said.

Both are slated for sentencing next week.

“These criminals not only stole cash and valuables from the victims, but they also stole their peace of mind, their safety and their security,” District Attorney Summer Stephan said in a statement.

The District Attorney’s Office said the crew committed burglaries in other California counties. Further details were unavailable.