Suspected criminals, busted during Operation Save Our Streets, faced a judge Wednesday.
Mike Mendoza, 20, was caught during the operation in Brickell Tuesday evening and was in bond court Wednesday, facing charges of burglary and grand theft.
His alleged partner-in-crime is Mark Lodigensky, 62.
"Two cases April 19, one from April 13 and one from April 14," said Judge Mindy Glazer, Miami-Dade Bond Court.
Detectives said the duo targeted homes in Downtown Miami and the nearby areas. Both wore hats and latex gloves, according to the arrest report.
One victim told police she surprised the burglars in her apartment, as they left with backpacks full of her jewelry and electronics.
One of the defendants appealed to the judge to lower his bond.
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"I have a heart condition. I have atrial fibrillation and it's pretty bad, and I'm not getting any medication," Lodigensky said.
The judge was not swayed and gave him a total bond of $60,000. Mendoza got $35,000.
Operation Save Our Streets is an anti-crime initiative by the City of Miami Police Department, with a focus on robberies, burglaries, thefts, graffiti and other crimes.
"During this operation, we were able to put an end to this duo pulling off burglaries in the Brickell area," said Officer Kenia Fallat with Miami Police.
Both defendants have prior convictions, with some dating back to the 80s. They will be back in court later this month for their arraignments. It's unknown whether they have attorneys.
