12 Arrested, $12K In Stolen Goods Recovered In Paramus Retail Theft Sweep: Police

By Cecilia Levine From Daily Voice

Paramus police arrested 12 people and recovered more than $12,000 in stolen merchandise during a 10-day retail theft crackdown across town, according to a press release issued Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Detectives and patrol officers working with Westfield Garden State Plaza security collected $12,420 in stolen items between Nov. 11 and Nov. 21, police said. The cases involved shoplifting, possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools, organized retail theft, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Nov. 14: Dick’s Sporting Goods: 

Officers Matthew Mulick, Sean Casey, and Frank Licari arrested three people after loss-prevention staff reported a shoplifting incident. Police said the suspects ran in different directions but were located with the stolen goods. 

A 2010 Ford Escape used by the group was found with an 8-year-old and 1-month-old child left alone inside, police said. The Division of Child Protection and Permanency responded. All three adults were processed and released.

Those charged include:

• Pedro Medina, 22 (Bronx, NY): possession of stolen property
• Yuvi Osoriomontiel, 29 (Manhattan, NY): possession of stolen property; endangering the welfare of a child
• Yorianni Urdanetaderodriguez, 23 (Bronx, NY): possession of stolen property; endangering the welfare of a child

Nov. 18: Garden State Plaza

Detective Lt. Jack Cacamis, Detective Sgt. Marc Glantschnig, Detective Matt McGuire, Detective Nicole Capone, and Traffic Officer Diego Cruz responded to a shoplifting in progress in the mall parking lot.

Three suspects ran but were detained. Police said they recovered $4,239 in stolen clothing, a large magnet, a metal hook, and foil-lined bags used to defeat security sensors.

Those charged include:

• Curtann Harris, 23 (Bronx, NY): organized retail theft; possession of stolen property; possession of burglar tools
• Tom Martin, 41 (New Rochelle, NY): same charges
• Ricardo Ramsay, 37 (Bronx, NY): same charges

Nov. 18: Garden State Plaza 

Officer Joe Mastrofilipo spotted a 2015 Ford Taurus with a fictitious registration tied to an October theft.

Sgt. Jon Henderson, Officer Don Liu, Officer Devon O’Donnell, and Officer Keith Sampson helped locate and arrest both suspects. Police recovered $1,089 in stolen merchandise and tools used to remove security devices. Both men were also charged with stealing $840 in October.

Charges include:

• Kenneth Hayward, 33 (Jersey City): possession of stolen property; possession of burglar tools
• Terrence Nelson, 30 (Jersey City): same charges

Nov. 19: Alo Yoga (Garden State Plaza)

Detectives Nicholas Perna and Joe Windt located a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee tied to a prior Bergen Town Center theft. Officers Don Liu and Joe Mastrofilipo assisted in arresting two suspects.

Police recovered $3,223 in stolen jackets and a magnet used to remove sensors.

Charges include

• Ramon Rivero, 31 (New York, NY): organized retail theft; possession of burglar tools (Rivero was also charged in a $689 theft on Nov. 8).
• Melissa Arenas, 30 (Queens, NY): organized retail theft; possession of burglar tools

Nov. 21: Old Navy (Garden State Plaza)

Officer Michael Mordaga arrested a suspect after finding $1,103 in stolen merchandise inside a 2019 Honda Accord. Police said the suspect had a burglar tool and an active Somerset County warrant and was taken to the Bergen County Jail.

Nauzier Kidd, 29, of East Orange, was charged with possession of stolen property; possession of burglar tools

Nov. 24: Alo Yoga (Garden State Plaza)

Paramus Anti-Crime Unit officers detained a suspect entering a 2016 Jeep Patriot with $1,866 in stolen merchandise, police said. Toni Long, 31, of the Bronx, was charged with possession of stolen property

This holiday season, the Paramus Police Department is taking a proactive approach to ensure the safety of residents, shoppers, and visitors, Police Chief Robert Guidetti said.

Officers will be increasing residential patrols as a theft deterrent, while the department's Anti-Crime Unit will be deployed in commercial districts and retail areas to target property crimes, retail theft, and crimes of opportunity, the chief said.

In addition, the department is expanding its traffic enforcement presence in high-volume and congested areas to assist the motoring public and promote a safe travel environment. 

"We remind all motorists to remain aware of their surroundings, avoid distracted driving, and never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs," Guidetti said.

On Wednesday, Nov. 26, the Paramus Police Traffic Unit will conduct a Thanksgiving Eve Drunk Driving Enforcement Detail. The operation will focus on identifying and arresting impaired drivers and is part of a coordinated statewide initiative led by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) in support of the Goal: Zero campaign.

"Thanksgiving Eve often referred to as 'Blackout Wednesday' or 'Drinksgiving' marks the start of a seasonal increase in impaired driving," Guidetti said in a news release. "Law enforcement agencies across New Jersey will conduct high-visibility patrols on high-risk roadways, and Paramus officers will be out in force to help prevent alcohol related crashes and ensure a safe holiday for all.

"The Paramus Police Department encourages everyone to celebrate responsibly, plan ahead for a sober ride, and help keep our community safe throughout the holiday season."