New jersey couple charged with stealing u-haul, fake ids, treasury checks and gun

RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A stolen U-Haul van led police to uncover a far-reaching identity theft and fraud scheme involving a local couple now facing a slew of charges including forgery, firearm violations, and child endangerment, authorities said.

Peter M. Gittens, 37, and Chambreona J. Williams, 33 — also known as Tenisha O. Gittens — were arrested after a joint investigation by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office and the Raritan Township Police Department revealed they were in possession of a stolen van and had leased apartment units under false identities.

The investigation began in January when the Raritan Township Police Department received a report of a stolen U-Haul van. Authorities later determined the van had been fraudulently obtained by Williams. Both individuals were also found to have used false identities to rent residential units in Raritan Township.

A traffic stop by Clinton Township police on April 4 led to the detention of the defendants, who were subsequently arrested by Raritan Township officers. A search of their residences and vehicle turned up a trove of fraudulent documents and stolen property, including over $75,000 in stolen U.S. Treasury checks and an illegal credit card skimming device.

Firearm and child endangerment charges added

Investigators also recovered an unregistered handgun, large-capacity ammunition magazines, and two stolen cockapoo dogs. Authorities said Peter M. Gittens was prohibited from possessing the firearm due to a prior conviction.

During the search, police discovered Williams’ two young children — ages five and two — left unsupervised in her apartment, leading to charges of endangering the welfare of a child.

Williams was released onto pretrial monitoring following a court hearing on April 11. She is scheduled to appear before Judge Christopher J. Garrenger on May 19. Her attorney is Yoana Yakova, Esq.

Key Points

Peter M. Gittens and Chambreona J. Williams charged in stolen vehicle, ID theft, and firearms case
Authorities found $75K in stolen Treasury checks, illegal gun, skimmer, and abandoned children
Williams released under monitoring; Gittens detained pending trial in Warren County Jail

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