John Smith, a 36-year-old East Orange resident and Christopher Ellen, a 42-year-old Passaic resident operated a theft network responsible for stealing $200,000 in construction equipment from home improvement retailers throughout New Jersey, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel said.
The duo would use multiple identities to rent high-value equipment and fail to return the items, Daniel said. The stolen equipment was then fenced and resold via online marketplaces, Daniel said.
During a search warrant of a vehicle associated with the suspects, officers seized various items, including three floor sanders, approximately $3,000 in cash, and multiple identification documents and credit cards relevant to the scheme, Daniel said…