Tag:

Theft

Burglar Roamed NJ High School For 9 Hours, Broke In During BOE Meeting: Cops Burglar Roamed NJ High School For 9 Hours, Broke In During BOE Meeting: Cops
Burglar Roamed NJ High School For 9 Hours, Broke In During BOE Meeting: Cops Police are searching for a 39-year-old man accused of breaking into Teaneck High School and roaming the building for nearly nine hours before leaving with a stolen shopping bag, authorities said. Ryon Reid was charged with burglary and theft following an investigation by the Teaneck Police Department’s Juvenile Bureau, Chief Andrew McGurr said. Burglar Inside While School Board Meeting Took Place The incident came to light on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at approximately 1:15 p.m., when school staff noticed belongings had been moved inside classrooms and discovered that a reusable shopping ba…
Facebook Marketplace Scammer ID'd As Ex-Con Linked To Similar Bergen County Fraud Cases: Cops Facebook Marketplace Scammer ID'd As Ex-Con Linked To Similar Bergen County Fraud Cases: Cops
Facebook Marketplace Scammer ID'd As Ex-Con Linked To Similar Bergen County Fraud Cases: Cops A 28-year-old man from Hawthorne was arrested after using counterfeit U.S. currency to scam a Facebook Marketplace seller out of an iPhone, authorities said. Hawthorne police launched an investigation after a victim reported being scammed during a Jan. 30, transaction, according to Hawthorne Police Detective Capt. Robert King. Detectives identified the suspect as Ashari Wilson, who was later linked to similar fraud cases in Glen Rock and Elmwood Park, police said. Wilson, who gave the victim $700 in bogus cash, was taken into custody on March 13, and charged with theft and forgery, King sa…
Serial Bergen County Burglar Busted For 3rd Time In Sussex County: Police Serial Bergen County Burglar Busted For 3rd Time In Sussex County: Police
Serial Bergen County Burglar Busted For 3rd Time In Sussex County: Police The third time was certainly not the charm for a 44-year-old Hackensack burglar in Sussex County on Tuesday, March 18. Jerry Montgomery, Jr was arrested for the third time for burglary in Sparta after he and Zachary Anderson, a 33-year-old Englewood resident, forcibly entered homes on Morgan Drive and Skyview Drive by breaking through the front door, Sparta police said. Once inside, they stole safes containing valuable items and personal documents, along with high-end jewelry and other luxury goods, police said. The burglaries were executed swiftly, with the suspects spending only minutes i…
Stolen Cash Registers, Fake Plates: Two Arrested In Rochelle Park Wingstop Heist, Cops Say Stolen Cash Registers, Fake Plates: Two Arrested In Rochelle Park Wingstop Heist, Cops Say
Stolen Cash Registers, Fake Plates: Two Arrested In Rochelle Park Wingstop Heist, Cops Say Two Fort Lee men have been arrested in connection with a commercial burglary at a Wing Stop restaurant, where thieves stole two cash registers in an early-morning break-in, authorities said. Officers responded to the Wing Stop on Essex Street in Rochelle Park around 5:30 a.m. on Jan. 28, after receiving a burglary report, according to Rochelle Park Police Capt. James DePreta. Investigators found signs of forced entry and determined that $400 had been stolen from two cash registers, police said. Detectives Jared Shatkin and Nick Mercoun began investigating and quickly identified suspects, of…
NJ Corrections Lt. Stole, Sold $475K In State Ammo, Prosecutors Say NJ Corrections Lt. Stole, Sold $475K In State Ammo, Prosecutors Say
NJ Corrections Lt. Stole, Sold $475K In State Ammo, Prosecutors Say A New Jersey Department of Corrections lieutenant in charge of managing state ammunition stockpiles was charged with stealing and selling taxpayer-funded ammo for personal profit, authorities said. Timothy Morris, 56, of Bayville (Ocean County), who served as NJDOC’s Range Master, is accused of illegally ordering excess ammunition and selling it on the secondary market, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced. Morris allegedly pocketed more than $475,000 through this scheme while attempting to conceal his financial transactions, prosecutors said. Morris, who has held his Range Master…
Firefighter Stole $10K From Union, Spent It On Food: Burlington County Prosecutor Firefighter Stole $10K From Union, Spent It On Food: Burlington County Prosecutor
Firefighter Stole $10K From Union, Spent It On Food: Burlington County Prosecutor A 38-year-old New Jersey firefighter was arrested and charged on Monday, March 10, with stealing $10,000 from a labor union representing first responders, authorities said. Tull,a Williamstown resident and a firefighter in Cinnaminson, was treasurer of a union that represented firefighters and EMTs throughout Burlington County, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia Bradshaw said. An investigation revealed Tull used the union's debit card to withdraw $6,300 from ATMs, which he then put into his personal account, Bradshaw said. Tull illegally utilized the union’s debit card to spend $3,384…
'He Was In My House!': Burglary Suspect Caught Running From Bergen County Home, Police Say 'He Was In My House!': Burglary Suspect Caught Running From Bergen County Home, Police Say
'He Was In My House!': Burglary Suspect Caught Running From Bergen County Home, Police Say A homeowner’s frantic chase helped police in one Bergen County town track down three burglary suspects who allegedly broke into his house in broad daylight and made off with stolen property, authorities said. Little Ferry officers responded to 16 Washington Ave. around 1:05 p.m. on Monday, March 10, after receiving reports of a burglary in progress, according to Little Ferry Police Chief James Walters. Dispatch warned responding officers that three to five men had forced their way into the home, stolen several items, and sped off in a black Ford pickup truck. Officer Montemurro arrived…
Pascack Valley Dunkin’ Stores Among 14 Hit In Statewide Crime Spree, Prosecutor Says Pascack Valley Dunkin’ Stores Among 14 Hit In Statewide Crime Spree, Prosecutor Says
Pascack Valley Dunkin’ Stores Among 14 Hit In Statewide Crime Spree, Prosecutor Says A Newark man is behind bars after authorities say he went on a multi-county Dunkin’ burglary spree, swiping more than $18,000 in cash and leaving a trail of destruction behind. Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 24-year-old Enajaim E. Bowman, who turned himself in on Tuesday, Feb. 25, after detectives tracked him down following weeks of investigation. For nearly two months, Bowman prowled the overnight hours, prying open doors and smashing windows to loot cash registers, safes, and managers’ offices at Dunkin’ Donuts locations across Bergen, Middlesex, Morris, and…
Fake Cops, Real Crimes: Paterson Crew Busted In $190K Bergen County Bail Scam: Prosecutor Fake Cops, Real Crimes: Paterson Crew Busted In $190K Bergen County Bail Scam: Prosecutor
Fake Cops, Real Crimes: Paterson Crew Busted In $190K Bergen County Bail Scam: Prosecutor Three Paterson residents have been arrested in connection with a phony bail bond scam that swindled nearly $190,000 from unsuspecting victims across Bergen County, authorities announced. Yasen R. Delgado, 26; Ahjainay N. Gawthney, 27; and Delareese Delgado, 31, were taken into custody on Thursday, Feb. 27, following a multi-agency investigation, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. The suspects are accused of posing as law enforcement officers and bail bondsmen, calling victims and threatening them with arrest warrants for missing court dates or jury duty. Victims were told to hand o…
$700K Gold, Bitcoin Theft: ‘PayPal’ Poser From NJ Scams Elderly PA Man, DA Says $700K Gold, Bitcoin Theft: ‘PayPal’ Poser From NJ Scams Elderly PA Man, DA Says
$700K Gold, Bitcoin Theft: ‘PayPal’ Poser From NJ Scams Elderly PA Man, DA Says A slick con artist posing as a PayPal agent scammed a 74-year-old Pennsylvania man out of nearly $700,000 in gold and cryptocurrency, authorities revealed on Friday, Feb. 28. Hirtik Hemchand Khatri, 24, of Lawrence Township, New Jersey, allegedly orchestrated a high-stakes fraud that convinced the victim to empty his savings, fearing he’d be arrested if he didn’t comply, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan and Whitehall Township Police Chief Michael Marks said. Khatri, who twice showed up at the victim’s home in a Mercedes-Benz to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars in gol…
Feds Crush NY-NJ iPhone Heist Ring That Hijacked Tracking Data, Bribed Employees Feds Crush NY-NJ iPhone Heist Ring That Hijacked Tracking Data, Bribed Employees
Feds Crush Ny-nj iPhone Heist Ring That Hijacked Tracking Data, Bribed Employees Thirteen members of an international crime ring that stole thousands of iPhones and electronics from FedEx and other carriers across the U.S. have been charged in New Jersey, authorities announced. The network, which operated from the Bronx to the Dominican Republic, used hacked tracking data, bribed store employees, and organized package theft to steal millions of dollars worth of devices, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna said. The crew used computer scripts to scrape tracking data from FedEx and a major U.S. cellular provider, court documents say. Bribed retail employees (including some …
NJ Man Charged In $44K Bad Check Scheme, Prosecutor Says NJ Man Charged In $44K Bad Check Scheme, Prosecutor Says
NJ Man Charged In $44K Bad Check Scheme, Prosecutor Says A 33-year-old Long Branch man previously accused in a $300,000 scam has been charged with stealing more than $44,000 from a local bank branch using a fraudulent check scheme, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Wednesday, Feb. 26. Jacob Gindi is facing third-degree bad checks and third-degree theft by deception charges following an investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) Financial Crimes and Special Prosecutions Unit, Santiago said. The case began when Deal Police received a report in December 2024 of suspected fraudulent activity at a bank branc…
Shoplifter Turned Attacker Charged With Robbery At Garden State Plaza, Paramus Police Say Shoplifter Turned Attacker Charged With Robbery At Garden State Plaza, Paramus Police Say
Shoplifter Turned Attacker Charged With Robbery At Garden State Plaza, Paramus Police Say A Bronx man accused of shoplifting from a store at the Westfield Garden State Plaza allegedly assaulted multiple people, including a store manager, a pursuing employee, and an elderly female shopper, authorities said. Omar A. Ricketts, 33, was arrested and charged with robbery following the violent incident on Thursday, Feb. 20, at approximately 5:50 p.m., according to Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti. Three men entered Champs Sports, and Ricketts allegedly concealed two Nike Tech Fleece jackets before attempting to leave without paying. When a store manager confronted him, Ricketts sh…
Armed Englewood Robbers Linked To Violent Home Invasion, Carjacking: Cops Armed Englewood Robbers Linked To Violent Home Invasion, Carjacking: Cops
Armed Englewood Robbers Linked To Violent Home Invasion, Carjacking: Cops Four Newark men arrested in a violent home invasion and carjacking in Union Township last September have been connected to multiple other crimes, including a high-profile armed robbery at a Bergen County restaurant, authorities said. At 7:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, four men forced their way into a residence in Union and assaulted two elderly occupants to obtain the keys to a luxury vehicle parked in the driveway, Township of Union police said. The suspects had arrived to the scene in a BMW X3 previously stolen from Livingston. The Livingston BMW was located shortly after in Newark, complet…
Suspended Attorney Stole Clients Cash In NJ, PA Real Estate Scam: DA Suspended Attorney Stole Clients Cash In NJ, PA Real Estate Scam: DA
Suspended Attorney Stole Clients Cash In NJ, PA Real Estate Scam: DA A suspended real estate attorney is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, prosecutors announced on Monday, Feb. 24. James "Jim" J. Vassallo Jr., 55, of Voorhees, New Jersey, was arrested for misappropriating funds while handling a Downingtown, Pennsylvania, home purchase in early 2023, the Chester County District Attorney’s Office said. Despite having his Pennsylvania law license suspended since August 2018, Vassallo allegedly continued to act as an attorney, taking money from his clients under false pretenses. The victims wired funds …
Speeding Fugitive Captured With $4K In Stolen Merch During Franklin Borough Traffic Stop: Cops Speeding Fugitive Captured With $4K In Stolen Merch During Franklin Borough Traffic Stop: Cops
Speeding Fugitive Captured With $4K In Stolen Merch During Franklin Borough Traffic Stop: Cops A 37-year-old New York fugitive was arrested last month in Sussex County and found with numerous stolen medication, authorities said. On Thursday, Jan 23, Luis Moure was pulled over by police in Franklin Borough after he was traveling at a high rate of speed and improperly passing vehicles on Route 23 South in Hamburg, Franklin Borough police said. A investigation revealed Moure had an outstanding extradition warrant from Virginia, police said. He was also found to be in possession of counterfeit currency and was sought by other New Jersey law enforcement agencies for using fake money and c…
Thief Who Led High-Speed NJ Turnpike Pursuit In Stolen Audi Arrested: Cops Thief Who Led High-Speed NJ Turnpike Pursuit In Stolen Audi Arrested: Cops
Thief Who Led High-Speed NJ Turnpike Pursuit In Stolen Audi Arrested: Cops A 29-year-old Newark man was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 19, months after he was able to flee Secaucus police during a pursuit. On Wednesday, June 5 at 1:02 a.m., a Secaucus resident reported their  2022 Audi Q3 was in the process of being stolen from the driveway, Secaucus police said. Officers followed the stolen vehicle into a dead end, police said. Rakim Thompson purposely rammed several of the police vehicles, one of which was occupied, to escape and evade capture, officers said. Thompson then fled in the stolen Audi where he was pursued by officers onto the New Jersey Tu…
Bronx Man Drags Victim With Car, Injures Montvale LT After Stealing $3.5K Camera: Cops Bronx Man Drags Victim With Car, Injures Montvale LT After Stealing $3.5K Camera: Cops
Bronx Man Drags Victim With Car, Injures Montvale LT After Stealing $3.5K Camera: Cops A 29-year-old Bronx man stole a $3,500 camera from a victim in a Bergen County liquor store, whom he dragged the victim with his car while trying to escape, also leaving a police officer injured, authorities said. Woodcliff Lake officers were alerted to a vehicle with a stolen New Jersey license plate near the Whole Foods shopping center on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 12:09 p.m., Capt. Chad Malloy said. Officers, with help from Montvale police, located the vehicle driving recklessly in the parking lot and stopped it, detaining both the driver and passenger for further investigation, authorities s…
Cache Of Firearms Found During Investigation Into Bergen Parks Employee For Theft: Prosecutor Cache Of Firearms Found During Investigation Into Bergen Parks Employee For Theft: Prosecutor
Cache Of Firearms Found During Investigation Into Bergen Parks Employee For Theft: Prosecutor A former Bergen County Parks Department employee has been arrested after authorities say he stole tools and heavy equipment from the county’s parks department—including a woodchipper and a 20-foot trailer—while also illegally possessing more than a dozen unregistered firearms. Charles T. Gatt, 44, of Sparta, was arrested on Feb. 11, following an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Squad, Prosecutor Mark Musella announced. The probe began in January after an audit revealed that multiple pieces of equipment were missing from the Bergen County Departme…
Arsonist, DUI Driver Arrested Again — This Time For Package Thefts, Cops In Bergen County Say Arsonist, DUI Driver Arrested Again — This Time For Package Thefts, Cops In Bergen County Say
Arsonist, DUI Driver Arrested Again — This Time For Package Thefts, Cops In Bergen County Say A Waldwick woman with a criminal history has been arrested for stealing packages from a local apartment building, police said. Marialyse Debel, 64, was taken into custody outside her home on Wednesday, Feb. 12, following an investigation by the Waldwick Police Detective Bureau, Lt. Troy E. Seifert said. Authorities began looking into reports of stolen deliveries from The Station Apartments at 41 West Prospect St., on Feb. 3. Detective T.J. Palaia identified Debel as a suspect, leading to her arrest, police said. Debel has a prior arrest for arson in Midland Park on Sept. 22, 2024, dur…
Employee Stole Thousands From Popular Bergen County Pizzeria, Police Say Employee Stole Thousands From Popular Bergen County Pizzeria, Police Say
Employee Stole Thousands From Popular Bergen County Pizzeria, Police Say Police have filed charges against a 41-year-old woman accused of stealing thousands from a popular Glen Rock pizzeria. Natisha R. Award, of Cliffside Park, stole cash from the business's safe and forged checks associated with the pizzeria, which she then cashed, Glen Rock Police Chief Dean Ackermann said. Francesca Pizza & Pasta Google Maps Awad is charged with third-degree theft, two counts of forgery for check fraud, and two counts of theft by deception. Upwards of $6,000 was allegedly stolen. Awad was arrested by Detective Sgt. James Calaski and Detective Lucas Don…
$40K In Eggs Stolen From Distribution Trailer: Police $40K In Eggs Stolen From Distribution Trailer: Police
$40K In Eggs Stolen From Distribution Trailer: Police Amid the avian flu outbreak, authorities are investigating the theft of "high-value goods" from a Pennsylvania business, State Police announced on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Approximately 100,000 organic eggs, valued at $40,000, were stolen from a distribution trailer at Pete and Gerry's Organics in Antrim Township, according to PSP Chambersburg. The theft occurred sometime overnight on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Commerce Avenue facility, troopers detailed in the release. Investigators are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact PSP Chambersburg at 717-264-5161.
Man Runs Over Ex-GF Rendering Her Unconscious In Route 46 Motel Parking Lot: Cops Man Runs Over Ex-GF Rendering Her Unconscious In Route 46 Motel Parking Lot: Cops
Man Runs Over Ex-GF Rendering Her Unconscious In Route 46 Motel Parking Lot: Cops A Paterson man is accused of smashing his ex-girlfriend’s windshield, stealing her phone, and running her over in a fit of rage outside a Wayne motel this week, authorities said. At approximately 4:35 a.m. on Feb. 2, multiple Wayne Police Officers responded to the Quality Inn on Route 46 for reports of a man vandalizing a vehicle, police said. Officer Adrian Valentin arrived to find the suspect attempting to leave the scene and stopped him, authorities said. While the suspect refused to cooperate, a second man—the victim’s current boyfriend—approached and told officers the suspect had smash…
Woman Flees To Africa After Stealing $6,700 From Glen Rock Business: Police Woman Flees To Africa After Stealing $6,700 From Glen Rock Business: Police
Woman Flees To Africa After Stealing $6,700 From Glen Rock Business: Police A Florida woman accused of stealing more than $6,700 from a Glen Rock business has fled to Africa and remains a fugitive, authorities said. A three-month investigation led by Glen Rock Detective Sgt. James Calaski uncovered evidence identifying Glenda Mensah, 45, formerly of Mount Dora, FL, as the suspect in a fraudulent bank transfer of $6,741.21, police said. An arrest warrant has been issued for Mensah, charging her with third-degree theft, police said. Francesca Pizza & Pasta owner Sal Reina said while he had a similar theft case in which a former employee stole upwards of $5,700 f…
'We Always Get Our Man:' Paramus Burglars Busted, Police Say 'We Always Get Our Man:' Paramus Burglars Busted, Police Say
'We Always Get Our Man:' Paramus Burglars Busted, Police Say Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with residential burglaries in Paramus that date back to August 2024, police announced. One of the suspects had previously been arrested last September for burglarizing cars in an East Rutherford hotel parking lot. The Paramus burglaries occurred just minutes apart on Aug. 13, 2024, in the northern section of the borough, Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti said. Officers responding to a burglar alarm at the first home identified a suspicious vehicle—a 2023 red Buick SUV—that was later linked to both incidents, Guidetti said. Detectives …
Mailbox Thief Nearly Hits Officer In High-Speed Chase Through Bergen County Town, Police Say Mailbox Thief Nearly Hits Officer In High-Speed Chase Through Bergen County Town, Police Say
Mailbox Thief Nearly Hits Officer In High-Speed Chase Through Bergen County Town, Police Say A Westchester, NY man has been arrested for his role in a mailbox theft ring that plagued Bergen County for weeks, authorities said. Edward Orozco, of Yonkers, was apprehended after a dramatic high-speed chase and a month-long investigation by the Wallington Police Department, Sgt. Brian Rosas said. The theft ring, which targeted mailboxes in October, resulted in thousands of dollars in losses for residents after stolen checks were rewritten and repeatedly deposited, according to Rosas. Wallington police launched an extensive investigation, identifying the suspect vehicle as a blue BMW M-S…
Hoboken Lululemon Loses $39K In Merch To Thieves, Police Say Hoboken Lululemon Loses $39K In Merch To Thieves, Police Say
Hoboken Lululemon Loses $39K In Merch To Thieves, Police Say Multiple shoplifters are at large after stealing items from a Lululemon in Hoboken on eight different incidents this year, authorities said. The shopliftings occurred between Friday, Aug. 30 and Tuesday, Nov. 26, Hoboken police said. Each time, the shoplifters entered the store at 313 Washington St., took multiple items, and left without paying, police said. The thieves made off with more than $39,000 in merchandise, police said. Anyone with information is asked to email Milnec@hobokenpdnj.gov or Campoverdej@hobokenpdnj.gov.
Ringwood Woman Stole $700K From Law Firm: Union County Prosecutor Ringwood Woman Stole $700K From Law Firm: Union County Prosecutor
Ringwood Woman Stole $700K From Law Firm: Union County Prosecutor A 54-year-old Ringwood woman was arrested and charged on Thursday, Dec. 12 with stealing more than $700,000 from the law firm she worked at, authorities said. Between 2018 and 2024 Colleen Hallenbeck, who was employed as a paralegal for a Union County-based law firm, misappropriated funds from various estates handled by the firm, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel said. Hallenbeck was responsible for distributing funds from estate accounts to beneficiaries. However, she wrote hundreds of unauthorized checks, totaling in excess of $700,000, for deposit into accounts s…
State Worker Steals $130K From Mom Who Killed Both Sons Then Fled To NJ For Drugs: DA State Worker Steals $130K From Mom Who Killed Both Sons Then Fled To NJ For Drugs: DA
State Worker Steals $130K From Mom Who Killed Both Sons Then Fled To NJ For Drugs: DA A Philadelphia woman stole over $130,000 from a former Norristown State Hospital resident who was convicted of murdering her two young sons, using the funds for personal expenses, including a Puerto Rico vacation, officials announced on Monday, Dec. 23. Bridget Nicole Compton, 51, is accused of stealing $132,480.01 from the TD Ameritrade account of Trinh Nguyen, a former Norristown State Hospital resident, officials in Bucks County, PA said. Nguyen is currently serving two life sentences for fatally shooting her sons, 13-year-old Jeffrey “JT” Tini and 9-year-old Nelson Tini, in their Upper M…
Thieves Strip Wheels, Tires Off Teslas At Paramus Dealership Thieves Strip Wheels, Tires Off Teslas At Paramus Dealership
Thieves Strip Wheels, Tires Off Teslas At Paramus Dealership Thieves struck overnight in Paramus, making off with the wheels and tires from two Tesla sedans parked in a dealership’s overflow lot, Boyd A. Loving reports. Photo(s) of the day, 12/20/2024: Thieves were busy at work overnight in Paramus, where two (2) Tesla sedans were... Posted by Boyd A. Loving on Friday, December 20, 2024 The vehicles, located at the Fashion Center on East Ridgewood Avenue, were discovered resting on cinder blocks by a dealership employee on the morning of Friday, Dec. 20, Loving said.  The Paramus Police Department was notified, and a uniforme…
Smile For The Doorbell Camera: Paterson Porch Pirate Arrested For $1K Lyndhurst Theft, Cops Say Smile For The Doorbell Camera: Paterson Porch Pirate Arrested For $1K Lyndhurst Theft, Cops Say
Smile For The Doorbell Camera: Paterson Porch Pirate Arrested For $1K Lyndhurst Theft, Cops Say A Paterson porch pirate is facing charges for swiping a $1,000 electronics package from a Lyndhurst home, police announced. Jeison Sime Martinez, 24, was arrested on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, after the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department apprehended him during a motor vehicle violation investigation, Detective Lt. Vincent Auteri said. The arrest stemmed from an incident on Tuesday, Oct. 22, when a Lyndhurst resident reported that a package had been stolen from their front porch. Surveillance footage from a doorbell camera provided detectives with a clear description of the suspect and …