STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Stafford Township Police Department announced the arrest of three individuals involved in a series of “Distract and Grab” thefts and credit card fraud incidents across New Jersey and the Tri-State area during the summer of 2023. The investigation, which involved multiple law enforcement agencies, began after a female victim reported fraudulent activity on her account in July, following a theft at a shopping area in Manahawkin.
Surveillance efforts at local Walmart and Costco stores led to the identification of an unidentified Hispanic male suspect. A subsequent incident in August at the Costco parking lot detailed a similar modus operandi, where the victim’s wallet was stolen from her purse by a male suspect after being distracted by another suspect claiming she had dropped money.
The extensive multi-jurisdictional investigation culminated in the group’s identification and subsequent arrest in Clarkstown, New York. Charged in the scheme are Augusto Telle Eche Italo, 39, of Bronx, NY; Carmen Borilla Raez, 36, of Elizabeth, NJ; and Marco Rodriguez Perez, 59, of Paterson, NJ. The charges against them include Theft, Burglary, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, and Conspiracy to Commit Theft.
The Stafford Township Police Department emphasizes the importance of vigilance and offers tips to the public on how to protect themselves from becoming victims of theft. Among the recommendations are locking vehicles at all times, securing purses and wallets while shopping, and using safety features like carabiners or child safety belts to secure belongings in shopping carts.