LINDEN — On Feb. 9, at 4:10 p.m., police responded to the Walmart in Linden Plaza, E. Edgar Rd. on a report of three shoplifters in the store. Loss Prevention personnel observed the trio push a shopping cart with merchandise to an isolated area in the jewelry department.
Then, while one of the men stood in front of the cart to block the view of the customers and sales clerks, the other two allegedly used a pocket knife and a box cutter to open packages and conceal the merchandise in their pockets.
When apprehended, the man and woman allegedly had $462.46 of merchandise on them, including perfume, razors, toothpaste, and Advil.
The three were arrested and charged with conspiracy, shoplifting, and possession of burglar tools. Jose Ortiz also had contempt warrants out of Mountainside, Edison, and Elizabeth and is being held on $11,000 bail.
Rolando Roman had five contempt warrants out of Elizabeth and was being held on $11,200 bail.
Erika Crespo was released on a summons. All have a court date set for Feb. 14. Officers also recovered two box cutters and a folding pocket knife.