Crime & Safety
Mendham Man Stole Backhoe From Landscaping Business: Police
Robert M. Hodulich, from Mendham, allegedly stole a John Deere backhoe from the landscaping company, AAA Red, White, and Blue Excavation.
MENDHAM, NJ — A Morris County man has been charged with allegedly stealing a backhoe from a local landscaping and maintenance company.
Robert Hodulich, 36, from Mendham, was charged with theft of movable property and theft of a motor vehicle, police said.
Mount Olive Township Police Officer Christopher Saunders said that the theft occurred on Aug. 13 at the Parkade Mall, 7 Naughright Road in Hackettstown.
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Authorities said that Hodulich was caught on camera stealing the John Deere backhoe from the landscaping and maintenance company, AAA Red, White, and Blue Excavation.
The footage of the crime was posted on social media, and Hodulich was ultimately identified by the police department.
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According to police, on Monday, Saunders found Hodulich at a home in Long Valley, where he was arrested with the assistance of the Washington Township Detective Bureau.
Hodulich was released from police custody pending a court hearing, and the backhoe was found by police and returned to the owner.
John Deere backhoes can cost anywhere between $139,888 and $278,349, according to the John Deere website.
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