Police Blotter: Theft by deception in Long Hill; Craigslist scam in Randolph

HANOVER

•Patrolman Eric Prach took a report of a bicycle that was found in the backyard on Karla drive. The bike is a Black Diamond Back , BMX type of bike. The bike was brought to the police holding area for safe keeping. The bike was not reported stolen.

•At 9:19 p.m. on Dec. 12, Sgt. Anthony Vitanza arrested Marvin Noel, 27, of Orange, on active warrants. The warrants were issued out of Union Twp. for $1,000 for failure to appear on an original charge of driving while suspended, South Orange in the amount of $250 for failure to appear on an original charge of not registering his vehicle and East Orange in the amount of $250 for failure to appear on an original charge of not registering his vehicle. Noel was stopped for failure to keep right on Route 10. Noel posted bail and was released with three summonses, failure to keep right, failure to maintain a lane, and driving while suspended.

••At 1:46 a.m. on Dec. 13, Patrolman John Schauder arrested Sean Siegel, 26, of Washington, and charged him with driving while intoxicated, speeding, failure to maintain a lane, failure to exhibit registration and insurance card, reckless driving and refusal to submit to a breath test. Siegal had been stopped on Route 287 for speeding on Route 10.

•At 12:04 a.m. on Sunday, Lt. James Peslis arrested Nairobi A. Cruz, 33, of Elizabeth, and charged him with driving while intoxicated and refusal to submit to a breath test. Peslis was on a DWI grant patrol when he came upon Nairobi and his girlfriend on the shoulder of Route 287. After speaking with the driver the odor of alcohol was detected and Nairobi was arrested. Nairobi was released to his girlfriend after being processed.

•At 9:50 a.m. on Sunday, Patrolmen David Littman, Peter Hermans and Robert Carpenter responded to Sunrise Drive on a report of a resident hearing someone calling for help. It was determined the calls were coming from one of the condo’s and the front door was eventually forced open to gain access. The resident had fallen out of bed and appeared to have suffered a stroke. It was not known how long the resident had been on the floor. The resident was transported to Morristown Medical Center.

•At 1:05 p.m. on Sunday, Patrolman Robert Carpenter arrested Maria Saldana, 22, of Wharton, on an active warrant that was issued out of Dover in the amount of $205 for failure to appear on an original charge of failure to exhibit a driver’s license. Saldana had been stopped on Route 10 for failure to yield when the warrant was found. Saldana posted the bail and was released with a summons for failure to yield.

LONG HILL

•On Dec. 11, a Meyersville resident contacted police to report a theft by deception. The resident advised police that they purchased a small excavator machine for $22,500 via the Internet, but had not yet received the equipment. Upon further investigation, the resident was able to determine that the entire sale was a scam. Police are continuing their investigation.

•Police investigated a motor vehicle crash at about 3:32 p.m. on Dec. 12 in the driveway of 1373 Valley Road. Robert Brandt, 80, of Stirling, was attempting to turn into the driveway of 1373 Valley Road, however due to the sun glare, Brandt struck the mailbox of that residence. As a result of the crash no injuries were report and no summonses were issued.

•On Dec. 12, a Millington resident contacted police to report a theft from their vehicle. The resident advised that they observed someone in their driveway and upon checking their vehicle noticed a wallet missing. The resident was unable to provide any description of the suspect or any vehicle involved. Police are continuing their investigation.

RANDOLPH

•On Nov. 20, Ramon Diaz-Perez, 25, of Wharton, was stopped for a motor vehicle violation and subsequently arrested after providing a false name to prevent the officer from learning his identity. After his identity was confirmed, outstanding warrants out of Wharton and Denville was found. Diaz-Perez posted bail and was released.

•On Nov. 21, Gary M. Melone, 57, of Rockaway, was stopped for a motor vehicle violation and subsequently arrested for driving while intoxicated. Melone was also issued several motor vehicle summons.

•On Nov. 21, Officer Brian Brenckman took a report of a resident being “scammed” after purchasing an indoor stationary bike via Craigslist.com. The victim began email correspondence with the seller who advised that the purchase could be completed by utilizing Ebay.com and that the form of payment would have to be a “Moneypak.” After the victim made the payment she became suspicious that the transaction was a scam.

•On Nov. 21, Officer Michael Shoudy took a report of credit card fraud. The victim stated that two of her credit card companies had contacted her stating both cards had been used in New York. The first transaction went thru and the second one was declined. The victim was advised she would not be responsible for the fraudulent charge.

•On Nov. 21, Officer Matthew Rispoli took a report of identity theft. The victim checked his credit score and discovered four accounts were opened under his name without his permission. The victim has placed all his accounts on fraud alert.

•On Nov. 22, Carmelo Jacinto-Morales, 28, of Long Valley, was arrested for driving while intoxicated following a disabled vehicle check. Jacinto-Morales was also issued several motor vehicles summonses.

This report was compiled by Daily Record staff writers and reflects official police descriptions of the incidents. If you have information about a crime, call 973-267-2255