Nov. 29, 2017 By Tara Law
Police arrested a woman last month who allegedly burglarized an Astoria home containing Nazi paraphernalia on multiple occasions.
Edith Caoilfhionn, 23, broke into 32-77 46th Street on three separate occasions in October through a shattered rear window, police said.
The house, filled with World War II memorabilia—including flags and medals–had been vacant for two months as resident Herman Von Gehm, 97, had been in hospital. The house included a photo of a young Von Gehm wearing a Nazi uniform.
The first break in allegedly took place on Oct. 2, police said, although police said that there was not enough evidence to charge Caoilfhionn. The house’s legal custodian, Maximilian Dileo, claimed that $20,000 in World War II memorabilia was stolen on that occasion.
Caoilfhionn allegedly broke into the home again on Oct. 16 at around 7 a.m.
Two officers from the 114th Precinct responded to a 911 call and noticed a broken window at the back of the house.
The officers searched the house and discovered Caoilfhionn hiding in a bathtub on the third floor. She had a black bag that contained Von Gehm’s telescope as well as four iPads, a laptop and a cellphone.
Caoilfhionn told the officers that she entered the house with friends regularly because she was intrigued by the “Nazi stuff,” according to the criminal complaint.
“I went into the house because it was interesting,” said Caoilfhionn. “I went into it to see the items inside. There were some strange things in there.”
Caoilfhionn, who had two outstanding warrants for burglaries in Manhattan, was arrested and charged with burglary, among other charges.
A little over a week later, Dileo, the custodian, visited the house on Oct. 23 around 2:20 p.m. and encountered Caoilfhionn inside.
Caoilfhionn allegedly waved a knife at Dileo and hit him. She allegedly pushed him into a glass door, causing Dileo to injure his elbow.
Caoilfhionn was again arrested, and a judge set bail at $75,000 bond/$50,000 cash. She has been charged with burglary, menacing with a weapon, third degree assault, and criminal mischief. She is due back in court Dec. 11.
The police have since boarded up the house’s rear window to prevent others from entering the property.
