Illegal immigrant arrested as migrant based ocean county shoplifting criminal enterprise broken up

Illegal Immigrant Arrested as Migrant Based Ocean County Shoplifting Criminal Enterprise Broken Up

by
January 19, 2025
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TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Wady A. Lopez-Florentino, 35, was arrested on January 18, 2025, in Ocean County on multiple charges, including shoplifting, resisting arrest, and obstructing the administration of law. Lopez-Florentino, who also uses the alias Carlos Antonio Lopez-Gomez, is being held without bail and is subject to an immigration detainer issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to court records, Lopez-Florentino faces charges under case numbers W20250000741506 and W20250000781506, including:

  • Shoplifting by concealment
  • Possession of anti-shoplifting device tools
  • Obstructing the administration of law
  • Resisting arrest with substantial risk of physical injury

Police allege that Lopez-Florentino used tools to evade store security systems while shoplifting and later resisted officers, creating a risk of injury during the arrest.

Lopez-Florentino is one of several inmates currently incarcerated in the Ocean County Jail as part of a wider shoplifting criminal enterprise operation.

In addition to the criminal charges, an immigration detainer has been issued, indicating that Lopez-Florentino may face immigration proceedings after his criminal case is resolved.

Lopez-Florentino is being held without bail, and no projected release date has been set, as the charges remain open.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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