By: Richard L. Smith
A long-running investigation has led to charges against two men prosecutors say operated an organized retail theft ring responsible for stealing more than $200,000 in construction equipment across New Jersey, according to information sent by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
Officials say the operation involved using multiple identities to rent high-value equipment from home-improvement retailers, then never returning the items.
The stolen goods were later resold through online marketplaces.
Charged in the case are Jovon Smith, 36, of East Orange, and Christopher Ellen, 32, of Passaic.
Both face several second- and third-degree counts, including leading an organized retail theft enterprise, fencing stolen property, and theft by deception.
During the execution of a search warrant on a rental vehicle connected to the suspects, investigators recovered three floor sanders, about $3,000 in cash, and a collection of identification documents and credit cards believed to be tied to the scheme.
Detectives identified a pattern of 38 thefts spanning 28 municipalities in 12 counties, including Union and Linden.
Smith and Ellen are being held in the Essex County Jail as they await a detention hearing.
Prosecutor William A. Daniel said the case involved “a highly organized and sophisticated scheme” that caused major financial losses statewide.
He credited the cooperation between the Intelligence Unit, the Narcotics Task Force, and the Union Police Department for bringing the enterprise to an end.
The investigation was led by Detective Michael Tambini and is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Christopher DeSimone.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Tambini at 908-472-4301.