2 Charged In West Caldwell Financial Crimes, Police Search For Suspects

WEST CALDWELL, NJ — Two people have been charged in connection with a pair of separate financial crimes involving mail in West Caldwell. The suspects remain at large, authorities recently announced.

The West Caldwell Police Department released the following details about each incident:

STOLEN CHECK – “On January 31, 2025, a local business reported that a check had been stolen from the mail stream. The investigation revealed that the check had been fraudulently altered and deposited into an unknown account in excess of $14,000. Through diligent investigative efforts, Detective Potucek identified the individual responsible for the fraudulent deposit as Joshua Pace, a resident of Staten Island, NY. Pace has been charged with forgery, theft by deception, and identity theft. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.”

MAIL THIEF – “In a separate incident on March 17, 2025, video surveillance from the U.S. Post Offices in West Caldwell and Caldwell captured an individual stealing mail from the outdoor blue collection boxes during early morning hours. The suspect vehicle was quickly identified and seized. Upon execution of a search warrant, officers discovered fabricated tools used to extract mail from postal boxes. Further investigation confirmed the suspect as Juan Torres-Batista of Paterson, NJ. Torres-Batista has been charged with trafficking in personal information, possession of burglary tools, and theft. A warrant has also been issued for his arrest.”

West Caldwell Police Chief Chief Dennis Capriglione Jr. credited Det. Daniel Potucek with leading the investigations into both crimes.

Both cases remain open pending the apprehension of the suspects. The West Caldwell Police Department said anyone with information can contact Det, Potucek at (973) 226-4114.

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