SOMERVILLE, N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor and Somerville Chief of Police Dennis Manning announced the arrests of Claudino G. Petruccelli, age 22, Wyckoff, New Jersey; Steve V. Koshlyak, age 34, Delanco, New Jersey; and Zackerji I. Ivanovic, age 41, Union Beach, New Jersey.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at approximately 10:06 p.m. a Somerville Patrol Officer while on routine patrol observed three males in the area of Veteran’s Memorial Drive near the Somerville Train Station area hanging stickers on the rear of designated posted parking and traffic signs. The Patrol Officer along with additional Somerville Patrol Officers approached the three individuals who were identified as Claudino G. Petruccelli, Steve V. Koshlyak and Zackerji I. Ivanovic. All three men were arrested for criminal mischief for placing stickers on Borough and State property. Multiple sheets of stickers were found in the possession of all three defendants. Defendant Koshlyak was wearing blue latex gloves in an attempt to conceal his fingerprints while placing the stickers.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that a search incident to arrest of defendant Petruccelli’s backpack found him to be in possession of a 12 ounce can of Phoenix pepper spray with dye in violation of the legal limit to possess which is listed at .75 ounce.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that defendant Petruccelli was charged with fourth degree Possession of a Weapon (Fourth Degree Offense) and Criminal Mischief (Disorderly Persons Offense). Defendant Koshlyak was charged with Criminal Mischief (Disorderly Persons Offense) and Hindering Apprehension (Disorderly Persons Offense). Defendant Ivanovic was charged with Criminal Mischief (Disorderly Persons Offense). All three defendants were released on their own recognizance pending a Somerville Municipal Court Appearance.
Prosecutor Robertson, Chief Fodor and Chief Manning request that anyone with information relating to the investigation to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at 908-231-7100 or the Somerville Police Department at 908-725-0331 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.