NJ State Police from the Washington Barracks (Warren County ) contacted the Washington Township Police and informed them they arrested a 22 year old male resident of Long Valley for using a stolen credit card in their jurisdiction. Washington Township detectives Pellegrino and Szymanski determined the cards used by the defendant belonged to Long Valley residents and were the partial proceeds of car burglaries.

Detective Sergeant Pellegrino and Detective Corporal Szymanski continued the investigation, and as a result arrested a 21 year old male resident of Washington , NJ (Warren) and additionally charged the 22 year old male resident of Long Valley with the burglary and theft of the Schooley's Mountain General School. Both defendants were additionally charged with burglary and theft related to other burglaries in Long Valley and burglaries of 5 cars in Long Valley on Stoneybrook Road and Jackie Drive .

Credit cards from the car thefts were used to purchase items locally and in Pennsylvania . Morris County Superior Court issued a search warrant for 22 year old Long Valley defendant’s residence. The warrant netted numerous items believed to be stolen from Long Valley and the surrounding area. The 22 year old Long Valley defendant was charged with possession of stolen property.

Continued investigation determined the two defendants participated in the early morning burglary of Schooley’s Mountain General Store on January 8, 2006 . Over $2,000 in merchandise, including tobacco products, clothing, cash and food, were stolen in the burglary. Both defendants were charged with the burglary, theft related to the burglary.

The burglaries and thefts during the past several months are still under investigation, and additional arrests are anticipated. Video surveillance from Schooley’s Mountain General Store as well as establishments in Pennsylvania were instrumental in identifying the defendants actors and will be re-examined to secure additional arrests.

The Washington Township Detective Bureau has been closely working with police departments in jurisdictions where the defendants used the charge cards. Additional charges against the defendants and others are anticipated.

Anyone who can provide additional information related to this incident should contact tips@wtpdmorris.org. All information will be held confidential.

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