Couple Accused of Robbing Port Jefferson Station Home in Monthlong Crime Spree

A boyfriend and girlfriend allegedly went on a crime spree, robbing five area houses in the last month, including one in Port Jefferson Station, before they were caught on Thursday by police after attempting to break into a sixth house while the owner was at home.

Samantha Knab, 23, and Michael Willis, 22, both of Center Moriches, rang the doorbell of a house on Whitmore Lane in Coram on Thursday afternoon but a woman who was home at the time ignored the couple, thinking that they were solicitors.

The homeowner says she saw Knab and Willis attempt to break into the house through the kitchen window and called police. Before cops arrived, the couple fled the property but were soon caught by Officer John McCrory as they tried to drive away.

Detectives say they have linked Knab and Willis to five additional burglaries under investigation at homes in Port Jefferson Station, Coram and Selden within the last month.

Knab was charged with five counts of 2nd degree burglary, one count of 2nd degree attempted burglary and one count of 5th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Willis was charged with five counts of 2nd degree burglary, one count of 2nd degree attempted burglary and operation a motor vehicle without a license.

Both are expected to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on August 3.