12 County Theft Ring Busted Up In NJ

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Two people were arrested in connection to a $200,000 retail theft crime operation that spanned through 12 New Jersey counties, the Union County Prosecutor's Office said.

Jovon Smith, 36 of East Orange, is charged with one count of second-degree leader of organized retail theft enterprise, one count of second-degree fencing stolen property, one count of second-degree theft by deception, and 38 counts of third-degree theft by deception.

Christopher Ellen, 32 of Passaic, is charged with one count of second-degree leader of organized retail theft enterprise, one count of second-degree fencing stolen property, one count of second-degree theft by deception, and 26 counts of third-degree theft by deception.

Authorities found that Smith and Ellen stole more than $200,000 worth of construction equipment from multiple home improvement stores by using fake identities to rent items. They then would never return them.

The stolen property was then sold online.

"This was a highly organized and sophisticated scheme that exploited the rental services of a major retailer, causing substantial financial loss across New Jersey," added William Daniel, a prosecutor with Union County.

While carrying out a search warrant on a rental vehicle, officials found items that included three floor sanders, around $3,000 in cash, multiple identification papers, and credit cards associated with the scheme.

The thefts were traced back to 28 different municipalities across 12 counties in New Jersey.

"The diligent work of Union County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence Unit detectives, along with the cooperation among multiple agencies, was key to dismantling this operation and bringing the suspects to justice,” Daniel added.

Smith and Ellen are being held in the Essex County Jail awaiting a detention hearing.

Anyone with additional information or reports regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Michael Tambini at 908-472-4301.

MORE FROM PATCH: NJ Group Tried To Harvest Organs From Live Patient, Misled Grieving Families, Whistleblowers Say