QUEENS---A Whitestone man has been indicted on charges of attempting to burglarize the Bayside home of New York City Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch earlier this year.

A Queens grand jury has returned a five-count indictment charging Anthony Genovese, 40, of 7-15 154th Street in Whitestone, Queens, with second-degree attempted burglary, possession of burglar's tools, third-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle, third degree aggravated unlicensed motor vehicle operation and unlawfully operating or driving a motor vehicle on a public highway.

Genovese, who is unemployed, faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.

"The defendant picked the wrong house to allegedly burglarize when he walked up to the front door of the head of the City's police union, PBA President Patrick Lynch", Queens district attorney Richard Brown said. "A veteran police officer, Mr. Lynch responded immediately when informed by his wife of a suspicious person lurking at their residence. Returning home, he confronted the defendant and held him until police responded to his radio call."

According to the indictment, at 9:40 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, Genovese walked up to the front door of Lynch's Bayside home and attempted to forcibly enter the residence. The indictment further charges that Genovese, who does not have a valid driver's license, fled the location in an automobile that earlier had been reported stolen. When stopped at Francis Lewis Boulevard and 48th Avenue in Bayside, according to the indictment, the defendant was found to be in possession of burglar's tools, pliers, a hammer and screwdrivers.

Genovese was arrested on Jan. 16 and has been in custody in lieu of $20,000 bail. He is due to return to court on April 30.   3-26-07

© 2007 North Country Gazette