Tag:

Theft

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…
Two Men Charged In Wall Home Invasion, One At Large: Police Two Men Charged In Wall Home Invasion, One At Large: Police
Two Men Charged In Wall Home Invasion, One At Large: Police Two men who were arrested in Union County earlier this month were arrested again following a home invasion in Wall Township in January, authorities said. On Monday, Jan. 20, three masked men forcibly entered a home on Baileys Corner Road through a rear window, Wall Township police said. The homeowner said the suspects stole car keys from a counter inside the home but were unable to remove the vehicle from the property, police said. The suspects fled the scene in a dark-colored vehicle heading west on Allaire Road, toward Route 34, police said. Yasir Twitty, 21, and Nymir Marks, 19 were ar…
Squatter Who Took Over Monmouth County Homes Escapes From Psych Hospital: Cops Squatter Who Took Over Monmouth County Homes Escapes From Psych Hospital: Cops
Squatter Who Took Over Monmouth County Homes Escapes From Psych Hospital: Cops Authorities are searching for a 39-year-old man who walked away from Trenton Psychiatric Hospital, months after being charged with squatting in two vacant homes and falsely claiming ownership, officials said. Markies Wells, who also goes by Messiah Law-Elbey, was last seen at 4:08 a.m. on Friday, March 7, wearing a green jumpsuit, according to Ewing Police. He is described as 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, with a full beard and dreadlocks, police said. Wells was accused of breaking into and illegally living in multiple homes in Monmouth County, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said. Kea…
Three Burglars Stole Jewelry, Artwork: Somerset County Prosecutor Three Burglars Stole Jewelry, Artwork: Somerset County Prosecutor
Three Burglars Stole Jewelry, Artwork: Somerset County Prosecutor Three burglars were recently arrested and charged with committing two burglaries in Somerset County last October. On Friday, Oct. 18 at 9:52 p.m., officers in Franklin Township responded to a residence on Second Street and found a broken window, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr said. The burglars took jewelry, coinage and artwork, authorities said. On Friday, Oct 25, at 8:19 p.m., officers in Hillsborough Township responded to Brennan Way and found a residence with a broken window on the s…
Union County Burglar At Large After String Of Somerset County Break-ins: Prosecutor Union County Burglar At Large After String Of Somerset County Break-ins: Prosecutor
Union County Burglar At Large After String Of Somerset County Break-ins: Prosecutor A 26-year-old Scotch Plains man is wanted by police after previously being charged with a string of burglaries that occurred last year in Somerset County, authorities said. On Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 9:20 p.m., a business on Route 206 in Somerville was broken into by Emmanuel Tolentino, Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr. said. Tolentino made off with cash, authorities said. On Friday, Nov. 29 at 1:45 a.m. Tolentino broke into a business on Route 22 East in Green Brook, prying open the door an…
$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…
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…
$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.
$9K Theft Gets Former Ocean County Rec Director Probation: Prosecutor $9K Theft Gets Former Ocean County Rec Director Probation: Prosecutor
$9K Theft Gets Former Ocean County Rec Director Probation: Prosecutor A former Brick Township recreation official, once celebrated as a top professional in his field, was sentenced to three years probation on Friday, Jan. 31 after he admitted to stealing more than  $10,000 in township recreation fees, authorities said. Daniel Santaniello, 46, pleaded guilty last month to theft, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. Santaniello was previously the recreation director for Brick Township. The New Jersey Recreation & Park Association gave him their "Professional of the Year Award" in 2016. Investigators said Santaniello abused his position to c…
Man Used Crowbar, Hammer To Burglarize Businesses In 5 NJ Towns: Cops Man Used Crowbar, Hammer To Burglarize Businesses In 5 NJ Towns: Cops
Man Used Crowbar, Hammer To Burglarize Businesses In 5 NJ Towns: Cops A Milltown man has been charged in connection with a string of burglaries that occurred across Somerset County in December 2024, authorities announced. Gabriel Bay, 56, was arrested on Dec. 17, 2024, following a joint investigation by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Burglary Unit and police departments from Bedminster, Warren, Branchburg, Bernards, and Green Brook. The burglaries spanned five townships, targeting convenience stores, restaurants, and other businesses between Dec. 3 and 16, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Surveillance footage captured Bay using …
Disbarred Lawyer Stole $1 Mil+ From Clients: Monmouth County Prosecutor Disbarred Lawyer Stole $1 Mil+ From Clients: Monmouth County Prosecutor
Disbarred Lawyer Stole $1 Mil+ From Clients: Monmouth County Prosecutor A 49-year-old disbarred Hazlet lawyer was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Friday, Jan. 17, after he admitted to stealing nearly $1.18 million from more than 60 clients. Steven Salami is also ordered to pay the full amount of stolen funds, back to the New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, which had previously reimbursed his clients, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said. From April to August 2019, while working as an attorney, Salami took $300,000 from four victims as part of real estate transactions, Santiago said. Salami put the money in escrow, but f…
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…
Burglary Suspect Caught After Bold Jersey Shore Break-In Spree, Police Say Burglary Suspect Caught After Bold Jersey Shore Break-In Spree, Police Say
Burglary Suspect Caught After Bold Jersey Shore Break-In Spree, Police Say A Neptune man was accused of trying to break into several homes and a vehicle in Spring Lake, authorities said. Edward Leo, 57, was facing eight charges in the case, the Spring Lake Police Department said in a news release on Wednesday, Dec. 18. A Monmouth Avenue resident reported an unknown man attempting to break into his home just after midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Sea Girt and Spring Lake Heights officers quickly responded, along with a Bradley Beach K-9 unit. Investigators said the suspect also tried to enter another nearby home and rummaged through at least one unlocked ve…
Three Arrested After 'Chaotic' Armed Home Invasion In Atlantic City, Police Say Three Arrested After 'Chaotic' Armed Home Invasion In Atlantic City, Police Say
Three Arrested After 'Chaotic' Armed Home Invasion In Atlantic City, Police Say Three men were accused of an armed home invasion at a scene described by police as "chaotic," authorities said. Officers arrested two Atlantic City men, 36-year-old Andrew James and 35-year-old Rashad Lampkin, along with 34-year-old Andrey Green of Galloway Township, the Atlantic City Police Department said in a news release on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Police responded to the home on Brooklyn Avenue at around 6:02 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16. Arriving officers found suspects and victims running in the area. Investigators said Lampkin confronted a victim outside the home with a gun, forcing his…
Award-Winning Former Rec Director Admits To Stealing $9K+ From Brick Township: Prosecutors Award-Winning Former Rec Director Admits To Stealing $9K+ From Brick Township: Prosecutors
Award-Winning Former Rec Director Admits To Stealing $9K+ From Brick Township: Prosecutors A former Brick Township official, once celebrated as a top professional in his field, has admitted to stealing nearly $10,000 in township recreation fees, authorities said. Daniel Santaniello, 46, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Dec. 10 to theft, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release.  Santaniello was previously the recreation director for Brick Township. The New Jersey Recreation & Park Association gave him the "Professional of the Year Award" in 2016. Investigators said Santaniello abused his position to charge private organizations cash to u…
Barnegat Man Stole $50K+ In Lotto Tickets From Wawa Locations, Prosecutors Say Barnegat Man Stole $50K+ In Lotto Tickets From Wawa Locations, Prosecutors Say
Barnegat Man Stole $50K+ In Lotto Tickets From Wawa Locations, Prosecutors Say A Barnegat man was accused of stealing more than $50,000 in lottery tickets from vending machines at several Wawa stores over two years, authorities said. Kenneth Franke, 57, was charged with theft by unlawful taking following a two-year investigation, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Friday, Dec. 6. Investigators said Franke had been illegally obtaining lottery tickets without paying for them. The incidents reportedly occurred between January 2022 and December 2024 at Wawa locations in Lacey Township and Barnegat. Detectives established surveillance…
NJ Police Sergeant Tests Positive For Meth, Took Drugs From Evidence Room: Prosecutor NJ Police Sergeant Tests Positive For Meth, Took Drugs From Evidence Room: Prosecutor
NJ Police Sergeant Tests Positive For Meth, Took Drugs From Evidence Room: Prosecutor A police sergeant in Hammonton is facing multiple charges after testing positive for methamphetamine and taking drugs from the department's evidence room, authorities said. Detective Sergeant Robert Zbikowski, 45, of Hammonton, was charged on Monday, Nov. 25, with second-degree official misconduct, second-degree pattern of official misconduct, third-degree theft by unlawful taking, and two fourth-degree charges: tampering with physical evidence and obstruction of law, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. In 2024, the Hammonton Police Department contacted the Atlantic County…
Porch Pirates Busted In Central Jersey Package Theft Spree, Police Say Porch Pirates Busted In Central Jersey Package Theft Spree, Police Say
Porch Pirates Busted In Central Jersey Package Theft Spree, Police Say Two suspected porch pirates were caught in the act, following a series of package thefts in Highland Park, authorities said. The New Brunswick men were arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the Highland Park Police Department said in a news release. Officers saw the unnamed duo stealing packages from homes on North Third Avenue and Highland Avenue. The first suspect, 40, was taken into custody on North Third Avenue. He was charged with third-degree theft by unlawful taking and resisting arrest by flight. The second suspect, 36, was arrested on Highland Avenue. He was charged with third…
Lacey Township Car Burglars Stole Clothes, Returned Them To T.J. Maxx For Cash: Police Lacey Township Car Burglars Stole Clothes, Returned Them To T.J. Maxx For Cash: Police
Lacey Township Car Burglars Stole Clothes, Returned Them To T.J. Maxx For Cash: Police A Little Egg Harbor man and woman were accused of breaking into vehicles in Lacey Township and returning stolen clothes to a department store for cash, authorities said. Edward McGrath, 38, and Kathleen Papa, 47, were arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 19, the Lacey Township Police Department said in a Facebook post. Officers received a call from a witness who saw a man trying to break into cars parked outside Encore Dental of Lacey at around 12:53 p.m. The suspect got into a vehicle and left the area. Police stopped the vehicle near PNC Bank on Lacey Road and confirmed McGrath was t…
Newark Man Followed Woman, Broke Into Car: Raritan PD Newark Man Followed Woman, Broke Into Car: Raritan PD
Newark Man Followed Woman, Broke Into Car: Raritan PD A 27-year-old Newark man was arrested and charged on Tuesday, Nov. 12, after he followed a woman and then broke into her car in May 2023 in Raritan, authorities said. On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, officers responded to Janssen Pharmaceuticals for a burglary to a motor vehicle, Raritan police said. A woman reported her 2017 Kia Sportage had been broken and a tote bag containing $544 was missing, police said. The woman had withdrawn money from a bank in Somerville and was followed to the pharmacy by Nicholas Florez-Sanchez, police said. Flores-Sanchez broke into her vehicle after she exited to go…
Woman Stole $175K+ From Waretown Senior Community, Forged Doctor's Letter: Prosecutors Woman Stole $175K+ From Waretown Senior Community, Forged Doctor's Letter: Prosecutors
Woman Stole $175K+ From Waretown Senior Community, Forged Doctor's Letter: Prosecutors A Mays Landing woman was accused of stealing more than $175,000 from an Ocean County senior community and lying about her child's cancer treatment to delay court proceedings, authorities said. Alicia Campbell, 37, was given five additional charges on Tuesday, Oct. 29, Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael Nolan Jr. said in a news release. She was originally charged with theft, financial facilitation, and forgery. Campbell was the former lifestyle director at Greenbriar Oceanaire Community & Golf Course in Waretown. She was responsible for booking enter…
Throngs Of Unruly Teens Break Up NJ Haunted Hayride Event, Police Say Throngs Of Unruly Teens Break Up NJ Haunted Hayride Event, Police Say
Throngs Of Unruly Teens Break Up NJ Haunted Hayride Event, Police Say About 200 teens and young adults caused chaos at a PTA-sponsored hayride in Collingswood, authorities said. The large group was dropped off by several vehicles on the outskirts of Knight Park on Saturday, Oct. 19, the Collingswood Police Department said in a Facebook post. The teens and young adults started fighting each other, ran recklessly through the crowd, and cut in line for the Haunted Hayride. Officers at the event broke up the unruly teens and other Camden County police departments were called in to help. "To ensure the safety of those in attendance, the decision was mad…
Two Jersey Shore Women Stole $12K+ From Person's Bank Account, Police Say Two Jersey Shore Women Stole $12K+ From Person's Bank Account, Police Say
Two Jersey Shore Women Stole $12K+ From Person's Bank Account, Police Say Two Wall Township women were accused of stealing more than $10,000 from someone's bank account, authorities said. Lisa Sperry, 60, and Jordan Gruber, 34, were arrested on Friday, Oct. 11, the Wall Township Police Department said in a news release on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Investigators said the women took more than $12,000 from another resident's account through several fraudulent withdrawals. Sperry was charged with 13 counts of theft by unlawful taking. Gruber was charged with nine counts of the same offense. The women were transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institutio…
Manahawkin Woman Who Stole $178K+ From Long Beach Engineering Firm Sentenced: Prosecutors Manahawkin Woman Who Stole $178K+ From Long Beach Engineering Firm Sentenced: Prosecutors
Manahawkin Woman Who Stole $178K+ From Long Beach Engineering Firm Sentenced: Prosecutors A Manahawkin woman will spend several years in prison after stealing nearly $180,000 from a Long Beach engineering firm, authorities said. Dona Carlo-Tanzola, 51, was sentenced on Friday, Oct. 11 to five years in state prison, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. The former administrative assistant at Horn, Tyson & Yoder, Inc. pleaded guilty to theft on Monday, July 1. Long Beach Township police said Carlo-Tanzola deposited checks for the business into her personal bank accounts between May and November 2022. She also edited the…
Former Point Pleasant Beach Fire Dept. Treasurer Who Stole $100K+ Sentenced: Prosecutors Former Point Pleasant Beach Fire Dept. Treasurer Who Stole $100K+ Sentenced: Prosecutors
Former Point Pleasant Beach Fire Dept. Treasurer Who Stole $100K+ Sentenced: Prosecutors A Point Pleasant Beach man will spend several years in prison after stealing more than $100,000 from a volunteer fire department, authorities said. Salvatore Umek, 46, was sentenced on Friday, Oct. 11 to five years in state prison, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. The former treasurer of Point Pleasant Beach Fire Company No. 2 pleaded guilty to theft on Monday, June 10. Investigators said Umek stole about $100,000 from the fire company's bank account to pay off personal credit card debt between February 2019 and November 2021. He als…
Teen, Three Adults Charged In Attack On Elderly Woman At Jersey Shore Supermarket: Police Teen, Three Adults Charged In Attack On Elderly Woman At Jersey Shore Supermarket: Police
Teen, Three Adults Charged In Attack On Elderly Woman At Jersey Shore Supermarket: Police Four people were arrested after an elderly woman was "brutally attacked" and had her purse stolen at a Somers Point supermarket, authorities said. A 15-year-old Egg Harbor Township boy was charged with robbery, aggravated assault, and theft, the Somers Point Police Department said in a news release on Thursday, Oct. 10. Three adults were facing conspiracy charges in the case: 60-year-old Maria DeSantis of Woodbine, 23-year-old Charles Ogelsby Jr. of Atlantic City, and 22-year-old Emily Labaco of Atlantic City. Officers responded to a "strong-armed robbery" at t…
NJ Apartment Association Bookkeeper Who Stole $357K Learns Prison Sentence NJ Apartment Association Bookkeeper Who Stole $357K Learns Prison Sentence
NJ Apartment Association Bookkeeper Who Stole $357K Learns Prison Sentence A former bookkeeper for the New Jersey Apartment Association has been sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution for stealing $357,250 from the organization, authorities said. Karly Simon-Sapp, 50, of Plumsted Township, was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Kenneth T. Palmer to five years New Jersey State Prison and ordered to pay $357,520 in restitution, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. She previously had pleaded guilty to theft. Between January 2016 and January 2022, Simon-Sapp, in her capacity as a bookkeeper for the New Jersey Apartment Association, forged the …