2012 Lower Saucon Home Invasion Results in Charges

Wanted: David Bermudez

"The wheels of justice grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine" is a saying that certainly applies to the 2012 home invasion of a Lower Saucon family that, until now, has gone unsolved. Based on a Grand Jury Presentment, Northampton County DA John Morganelli has directed that criminal charges be filed against David Bermudez, age 37, a fugitive who is formerly from Bethlehem. Calling the matter a "very serious case," Morganelli described home invasions as "a terrifying experience."

This home invasion occurred on a hot July night in 2012, when Dominic Albanese and his wife Jodi had just sat down to watch television after putting their four children to bed. Suddenly, the back door was kicked in and four partially masked men, carrying guns, barged in. Dominic was immediately hit in the head with a gun that discharged into a wall, and then was dragged upstairs while his wife was ordered to disrobe. When she refused, a gunman fired into the ceiling, leaving a bullet that was later retrieved just inches from one of the children's bedrooms.  

Jodi was then ordered upstairs to watch all four of these men kick, pistol whip and punch her husband until he was unresponsive. "Dominic, you don't take things that don't belong to you," shouted the leader. "You don't take money that doesn't belong to you. Where's the safe?"

She saw one of the assailants remove a Rolex watch from her husband's wrist while she herself was shoved into a closet and told to open the safe. She was punched in the face and a gun was fired next to her head and into the wall. These home invaders took a computer, iPads, diamond earrings, a camera and the safe, which contained about $5,000. They left in the family minivan, which was located by police the next day.

A jail house confession is what gave prosecutors the break they need.

While incarcerated on an unrelated matter, David Bermudez told a fellow inmate that he had had been solicited by Michael Radogna, a business associate and one-time friend of Albanese, to do the job. Albanese owed Radogna money. Also solicited were  David Perez, a person known only as "Chino," and Juan "Goldo" Fernandez. Bermudez provided this inmate with specific information about the home, what had happened and what was taken.

Mrs. Albanese was able to identify Juan "Goldo" Fernandez as a result of a photo display, but he committed suicide last year.

The investigating Grand Jury also heard evidence from a former Rodagna employee, who said that Radogna was willing to pay him $500 to $700 to "beat up somebody and break his arms" because that person owed him money.

Ass't DA Bill Blake reviews charges with his
boss, DA John Morganelli

Albanese at one time had a successful real estate office called Home Team Real Estate, which was at one time was located directly across the street from the courthouse. He was involved in several Easton properties, and became acquainted with Michael Radogna, who started the Mocha Mike coffee kiosks. His wife Carin, widow of slain Easton police officer Jesse Sollman, was awarded $5 million in a settlement against Easton

The two couples decided to invest in the 44-acre Lower Saucon Township property along Woodland Road. Albanese agreed to move into the farmhouse and take possession of 12 acres. The Radognas would build a home on the remaining land. Carin Radogna not only purchased the property, but took out a $380,000 mortgage after Albanese failed to qualify.

The Albanese family moved into the farmhouse, and made $200,000 in improvements.

In the meantime, relations between the two families deteriorated. Michael Radogna wanted the Albanese family out, and stated on several occasions he would "do whatever it takes to get his money back." In March 2012, the Radognas attempted to evict the Albanese family. But they obtained a stay as well as an order enjoining Radogna from visiting the property except for "business" purposes. Jodi Albanese complained that she felt intimidated by him.

While contempt proceedings against Radogna were pending, the home invasion occurred.

Following the assault, the Albanese family found a new place to live.

Michael Anthony Radogna has not been charged, and is presumed innocent.

Bermudez has been charged with burglary, aggravated assault, robbery, theft and terroristic threats. Burglary, aggravated assault and robbery are first degree felonies carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and a $25,000 fine. Theft in this case is a third degree felony with a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment and a $15,000 fine. Terroristic threats is a first degree misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.

Morganelli has assigned the prosecution to Assistant District Attorney Bill Blake, supervising attorney for the Grand Jury.

Anyone with information can contact Lower Saucon Police at 610-317-6110.