SOMERVILLE, N.J. — A months-long investigation into a string of commercial burglaries in Somerset County has led to the arrest of 26-year-old Emmanuel Tolentino of Scotch Plains and charges against a 17-year-old male from Roselle, authorities announced.
Between November 26 and December 2, 2024, multiple businesses across Somerville, Green Brook, North Plainfield, Bridgewater, and Warren Township were targeted in late-night break-ins. Surveillance footage captured suspects using pry tools and crowbars to gain entry, primarily through rear or side doors, before stealing cash from registers and offices.
Tolentino was first arrested on December 4 in Green Brook for a November 29 burglary. He was charged with burglary, theft, criminal mischief, and possession of burglary tools, then lodged in the Somerset County Jail before being released. Further investigations linked him and the juvenile suspect to additional burglaries, resulting in multiple arrests throughout December and January.
On January 29, Bridgewater Township Police arrested Tolentino in Scotch Plains for three December 2 burglaries in Bridgewater. The following day, while jailed, he was served with additional charges for burglaries in Somerville. He was released from jail later that day but was subsequently charged again on February 5 for another December 2 burglary in Warren Township.
The juvenile suspect was charged in January and February for his role in the Bridgewater and Warren Township burglaries.
Authorities say the investigation was a coordinated effort by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Burglary Task Force and multiple local police departments.
