Cohoes man’s hair, tattoos helped in burglary convictions

A Cohoes man’s unique hairstyle and tattoos may have helped an Albany County jury convict him of two burglaries.

Devaughn Hall was found guilty of stealing more than $50,000 worth of jewelry, handbags and purses from a residence on Dana Avenue on Dec. 19, 2023, according to the Albany County District Attorney’s Office. He also stole more than 20 packages from an apartment complex on Dec. 23, 2023 on South Lake Avenue. The victim of the first burglary suspected that a man she was romantically involved with had taken the items, but (but he was eliminated as a suspect) police lacked evidence, prosecutors said.

Police obtained video surveillance footage from the apartment complex and saw Hall’s distinct facial tattoos, neon-red dreadlocks and face piercings.

Investigators obtained a warrant and searched Hall’s home and found the items reported missing. His wife was even wearing some of the ornate jewelry pieces stolen, police said. A Nintendo game system also was found in the home.

The jury also heard recordings of Hall made to his wife from jail in which he told her to tell police that she “bought that jewelry from a crackhead.” He also said to blame his deceased mother for the stolen jewelry.

Hall faces up to 22 years in prison when sentenced on March 28.