Man Sentenced For Robbery After Linked By DNA On Paper Towel

NEW YORK -- A Bronx man was sentenced to 20 years to life in state prison for a burglary of a Queens woman's apartment last year.

Stanley Jenkins was linked to the crime through DNA left on a paper towel at the scene.

Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said that leaving behind a paper towel with DNA on it is as good as leaving fingerprints.

Jenkins, of the Bronx, was convicted at trial last month of burglary, petit larceny and criminal mischief.

Jenkins was found guilty of breaking into an apartment on 34th Avenue on the night of May 13, 2004, the district attorney said. Among the items taken were a video camera, DVD player and jewelry.

While collecting evidence, police found a white paper towel that Jenkins had left behind. Jenkins' DNA from the paper towel matched a DNA sample in the state DNA index system from a previous burglary conviction.