In the continuous web of Boston's criminal proceedings, 59-year-old James Schaff finds himself again ensnared by the law. Recent DNA evidence has linked the Boston man, who is already serving time for other crimes, to multiple burglaries in Chinatown dating back to 2021. As reported by the Boston Globe, the Suffolk County District Attorney's office has charged Schaff with two counts of breaking and entering in the nighttime as well as a single count of larceny from a building.
Details from the district attorney's statement reveal that Schaff allegedly used brute force to gain entry into two separate restaurants – Asian Garden and Irashai Sushi – by hurling bricks through windows. Officials were ultimately able to connect him to these crimes through DNA evidence secured from the crime scenes and a sweatshirt Schaff inadvertently left behind. "Schaff's prior convictions make clear that he posed a threat to our merchants," DA Kevin Hayden stated, as obtained by the Boston Herald. This evidence has resulted in additional sentencing consequences for Schaff, who on Friday pleaded guilty to two counts of breaking and entering for 2023 Beacon Hill incidents.
With Schaff already serving a six-month sentence for similar break-ins, this new development adds a year to his term, effectively increasing his time behind bars. According to the Boston Globe, he will serve six months of the new sentence with the balance suspended for a year on each charge, with these sentences set to run consecutively to the term he is currently serving.
In an effort to fortify the city against such offenses, the DA's office, in partnership with the Boston Police, launched the Safe Shopping Initiative in 2024 specifically to target high volume, repeat, and violent offenders. Even though these offenses occurred years ago, Hayden emphasized the unwavering commitment of law enforcement. "The new charges are for offenses that occurred several years ago, but we're committed to holding offenders accountable no matter when they occur," Hayden told the Boston Herald.
For the proceedings related to the Chinatown incidents, Schaff has been held on $2,500 bail for each and has been ordered to stay away from the businesses he targeted. His next court appearance is tentatively scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on March 6, as noted by the Boston Herald.
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