Essex County Cops Stole Shoes, Belt While Searching Suspect’s Home: Prosecutor

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Three Essex County sheriff’s officers have been accused of stealing expensive clothing from a suspect’s home while carrying out a narcotics search warrant, authorities announced Friday.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the theft allegedly took place in January 2023 at an apartment on the 400-block of Park Avenue in East Orange.

Officers Jimmy Rodriguez, 39, of Kearny, Fabian Caicedo, 45 of East Rutherford, and Erik Udvarhely, 44, of Belleville, have each been suspended.

The officers were at the scene when the search took place, which resulted in the arrest of the apartment’s occupant on minor drug charges. After being released, the resident returned home to find several personal belongings missing – including boxes of high-end sneakers and a designer belt.

Surveillance video footage later revealed that Rodriguez and Caicedo removed the items, placed them in plastic bags and loaded them in their work vehicle. Rodriguez and Udvarhely later transferred the items to their personal vehicles, authorities alleged.

Rodriguez has been charged with third-degree theft and fourth-degree falsifying or tampering with records. Udvarhely has been charged with third-degree receiving stolen property. Caicedo has been charged with third-degree theft.

“We are deeply saddened by this incident and profoundly disappointed when officers fail to uphold the oath they were sworn to honor,” Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones said.

Jones – who was first elected last November to replace retired sheriff Armando Fontoura – said the Essex County Sheriff’s Office has fully cooperated with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office throughout the investigation.

“This conduct does not represent who we are, and it will not be tolerated,” Jones said.

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