Is That Vodka In Your Pants? Man Cited for Trying to Lift Booze on New Year's Eve

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January 5, 2015

BERKELEY-On December 31st 2014, Berkeley Police responded to a report of a suspicious walking on Frederick Drive. Upon arrival the officers observed this male walking down Frederick Drive with something protruding from his pants.

Further investigation revealed that the item concealed was in fact a bottle of alcohol. The subject identified as, Richard Botterio 35 Frederick Drive Bayville, could not provide a receipt for the bottle.

Detective John Legg spoke to the staff at Spirits liquor store, who stated that the suspect never paid for the alcohol (vodka). Patrolman Mike Tier reviewed video footage which revealed the suspect took vodka off the shelf but never paid for it. As a result, Botterio was charged with shoplifting and released on a summons.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

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Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

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