Four of the men — Gary Hennessey, 32, Abdifatah Mohamed, 27, Mitchell Nippard, 25, and Tyler Donahue, 23 — all made brief appearances in provincial court today.
The fifth man, 28-year-old Mohamed Salim of Toronto, has also been charged in connection with all four home invasions, but he's been listed as a missing person. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
"Love you man," and "Stay strong," a few supporters in the hallway said to Nippard and Hennessey as the men were led into Courtroom No. 7 one by one.
Lawyers agreed to set their cases over to March 16.
The home invasions were said to have happened on Fourth Street in Mount Pearl on Feb. 3, Mount Royal Avenue in the capital city on Feb. 4 and Milton Road in Paradise on Feb. 8.
The foursome had already been arrested in relation to a Feb. 9 home invasion on Angels Road in Paradise.
In addition to the dozens of charges laid after the Angels Road incident, the men face an additional 139 charges, including break and enter, robbery, forcible confinement, assault with a weapon and breaching court orders.
Nippard has also been charged with two counts of animal cruelty. He reportedly killed one dog and injured another during the Mount Royal Avenue home invasion.
Another person, Kaylen King, was charged with obstructing justice in connection with the home invasions. She was released to appear in court at a later date.
Police said all four home invasions were targeted and are believed to be connected.
In a news release issued today, the RNC says significant resources were utilized during this investigation resulting in serious criminal charges, dozens of judicial authorizations (warrants) and the seizure of a firearm that is believed to have been used during these four home invasions.
These arrests are the result of work completed by officers from criminal investigation division, patrol services division, police dog services; forensic identification services, technical services section, and the criminal Intelligence and organized crime unit.
In addition to RNC personnel, several external agencies provided assistance, including ROVERS, Fire and Emergency Services – NL, Correctional Services Canada, and Toronto Police Service.
“The extraordinary work accomplished by our members, stakeholders and outside police agencies is a great example of the success possible through exceptional teamwork," RNC Chief Bill Janes said.
The investigation is ongoing.
The RNC is asking anyone who has information on these incidents to call the RNC at 729-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be provided anonymously on the NL Crime Stoppers Website nlcrimestoppers.com.
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