Dealership Employee Accused Of Theft After Friend Pays $80 To Borrow Car, Crashes It: Police

WASHINGTON TWP., N.J.– A Hackettstown Hyundai employee who loaned a car from the dealership to a friend who then crashed the car is facing theft and drug charges as a result of the incident, police said.

The vehicle – police did not provide the make and/or model – was involved in an accident and the driver was arrested by state police, Washington Township Lt. Douglas Compton said.

According to Compton, Joseph Rodriguez loaned the car to a friend for $80.

Washington Township Officer Thomas Falleni was alerted to the incident by the dealership's general manager, Compton said.

During the investigation, police found drug paraphernalia on Rodriguez, Compton said.

Rodriguez was charged with conspiracy, taking means of conveyance and possession of drug paraphernalia, the lieutenant said.

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