By Upendra Mishra
WOBURN, MA – In a tense courtroom on Friday, silence hung heavy as prosecutor and defense attorneys presented starkly different visions of justice in the high-profile South Asian robbery case that has gripped Massachusetts for nearly two years.
As the proceedings unfolded before Middlesex Superior Court Judge, the weight of grief, betrayal, and consequence was felt not only by the victims but by everyone in attendance.
The hearing was part of a pretrial process that could determine whether the three defendants—Jovan Lemon, Paul Lemon, and Steven Berdugo—will accept a plea deal or proceed to trial this fall. All three men appeared in court, each flanked by their respective attorneys, as the judge laid out the likely outcome should they choose to plead guilty.
In a sobering statement, the judge indicated he would impose sentences ranging from nine to 13 years in state prison, followed by three years of probation, if the defendants change their pleas. Specifically, Jovan Lemon would face 10 to 13 years, while Paul Lemon and Steven Berdugo would be sentenced to 9 to 12 years.
A Community’s Pain
The courtroom was filled with more than 15 in-person observers, while approximately 75 additional attendees joined via Zoom—many of them victims and their families who had been waiting for justice since the thefts first came to light. Representing the other side, a similar number of supporters and family members of the accused were also present in the room. Their silence during the hearing spoke volumes.
The atmosphere was heavy with emotion. As the prosecutor laid out a compelling case for a maximum sentence of 15 to 18 years, citing the scale, duration, and premeditated nature of the crimes, several attendees could be seen wiping away tears. The thefts were not just financial losses—they tore into the cultural and emotional fabric of South Asian families across Massachusetts. Many stolen items were heirlooms passed down through generations—priceless artifacts of identity, memory, and tradition.
In contrast, defense attorneys pleaded passionately for leniency, urging the judge to consider sentences of no more than three years. They pointed to the defendants’ backgrounds, expressions of remorse, and the potential for rehabilitation, asking the court not to define their entire lives by their worst actions.
What Comes Next
The judge’s message was clear: a plea agreement would bring closure, but not without consequence. Should the defendants choose to go to trial, a readiness hearing is scheduled for September, with the full trial slated to begin in October.
In the coming weeks, the defense teams are expected to confer with their clients and inform the court of their decision. If the defendants choose to plead guilty and accept the indicated sentence, a formal plea hearing will be scheduled. If they opt to proceed to trial, the court is already preparing to move forward.
A Case That Echoes Beyond the Courtroom
This case, involving an alleged multi-year crime spree targeting 92 homes in over 40 towns, has left a deep scar on the South Asian community. With over $4 million in stolen goods, it is one of the largest and most emotionally devastating burglary cases in recent state history. Beyond the financial toll, it has rattled the sense of security and belonging for hundreds of families.
For many in the community, this hearing offered a glimmer of resolution—an acknowledgment of the trauma suffered and a step toward justice. But as the defendants contemplate their next move, the question remains: will this case end with a plea and a sentence, or continue into a courtroom battle that will once again stir painful memories?
Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain—the South Asian community, united in grief and resilience, will be watching.
