$200K In Construction Equipment Taken By Duo In 38 Thefts Across State, Prosecutor Says

By Sam Barron From Daily Voice

Two men have been arrested and charged with running an organized retail theft enterprise throughout New Jersey, authorities announced Thursday, Nov. 20.

John Smith, a 36-year-old East Orange resident and Christopher Ellen, a 42-year-old Passaic resident operated a theft network responsible for stealing $200,000 in construction equipment from home improvement retailers throughout New Jersey, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel said.

The duo would use multiple identities to rent high-value equipment and fail to return the items, Daniel said. The stolen equipment was then fenced and resold via online marketplaces, Daniel said.

During a search warrant of a vehicle associated with the suspects, officers seized various items, including three floor sanders, approximately $3,000 in cash, and multiple identification documents and credit cards relevant to the scheme, Daniel said.

An investigation revealed the suspects committed 38 separate thefts in 28 municipalities across 12 counties in the state, Daniel said.

Smith is charged with being the leader of an organized retail theft enterprise, fencing stolen property and 38 counts of theft by deception, Daniel said. Ellen is charged with being the leader of an organized retail theft enterprise, fencing stolen property an 26 counts of theft by deception, Daniel said.