4 Men Arrested In Connection With Home Burglaries In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Four men were arrested late on Sunday night in connection with home burglaries in Bernards Township, announced Chief Jon Burger and Deputy Chief Eric Geleta.

All four men are believed to be affiliated with South American Theft Group (SATG), said Burger.

On May 19 at around 11:50 p.m., patrol officers became aware that a vehicle associated with SATG had entered Bernards Township.

Officer Olivia Strama saw the vehicle on Whitenack Road and conducted a motor vehicle stop. During the stop, officers saw tools associated with committing residential burglaries.

The occupants were identified as Christian Jaramillo, 23, of Ridgefield Park, Jose Gamboa, 31, of Queens, NY, Alejandro Martinez Juarez, 25, of Queens, NY, and Juan Camillo Perez, 19, of Los Angeles, CA. All four men were arrested.

As a result of this investigation, detectives were able to connect the men to a previous residential burglary which happened on May 7 on Spencer Road in Bernards Township.

"This connection was made by diligent and persistent investigative measures by township detectives. In addition, recent investments in public safety technology authorized by Bernards Township Mayor Jennifer Asay and the Township Committee helped the police department in the apprehension of these criminals targeting Bernards Township," said Burger and Geleta.

Christian Jaramillo was charged with third-degree criminal attempt, fourth-degree hindering apprehension, and possession of burglary tools, a disorderly person’s offense.

Jose Gamboa, Alejandro Martinez Juarez, and Juan Camillo Perez were charged with possession of burglary tools, a disorderly person’s offense.

All four men were lodged at the Somerset County Jail pending a first appearance/detention hearing.

Anyone with information relating to this investigation to contact Det. Phil Jasina at 908-766-1122 x611 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

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