Suspected 'Hillside Burglar' Ringleader Gets 17 Years

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The suspected ringleader of a sophisticated burglary ring that made off with millions of dollars of cash and property from upscale Los Angeles homes has been sentenced to 17 years in state prison.

The Los Angeles County district attorney's office says Troy Corsby Thomas was immediately sentenced Thursday after pleading no contest to residential burglary. The plea came just as jury selection was set to begin in Thomas' trial.

As part of the plea, Thomas also agreed to make full restitution to the victims.

A prosecutor says the estimated loss in diamonds, Rolex watches and cash is about $675,000.

Police believe the so-called "Hillside Burglars" targeted dozens of homes in some of the toniest Los Angeles neighborhoods over a four-year period.

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