Woman Admits Cutting Security Devices, Stealing TVs From Brick Walmart, Police Say

BRICK, NJ — A Lakewood woman has been charged with shoplifting after she admitted cutting security devices off televisions at Walmart so she could steal them, Brick Township police said Wednesday.

Erika Martinez, 38, was arrested about 9 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Walmart on Route 88 after a loss prevention employee called police, Patrol Officer Victoria Finelli said.

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The employee told police a woman — later identified as Martinez — was seen using a tool to cut the devices off the TVs. Detectives then saw the woman doing the same thing, Finelli said.

As Martinez started to leave the store, she was approached by the detectives. During their investigation, she told police she had a cutter inside her purse and that she was removing the security devices so she could steal the TVs.

The cutter was on the front seat of her vehicle, Finelli said.

A search after her arrest found Martinez was in possession of various illegal substances including suboxone, Ecstasy and amphetamine. Martinez was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a prescription legend drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, shoplifting and possession of burglar tools, Finelli said.

She was taken to the Ocean County Jail but later released to await trial.

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