2 Charged After Breaking Into Somerset County Gas Stations To Steal Vapes: Docs

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Two men are facing numerous charges after prosecutors said they broke into several Somerset County gas stations to steal vape products.

Macario Wilchez, 20, and Rafael Maisonet, 18, both of South Plainfield, were arrested and each charged with multiple counts connected to the string of burglaries that started May 2 and ended nearly two weeks later, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office announced Wednesday.

On May 2 around 3:15 a.m., prosecutors said a person wearing a hoodie, face mask and gloves broke the glass door of a gas station located on Route 22 in Somerville. Once inside the building, the person stole numerous vaping products before fleeing.

A similar burglary at the same gas station was reported two days later, prosecutors said.

On May 9, prosecutors said a person broke into a different gas station also located on Route 22 in Somerville. The person stole vaping products before fleeing, authorities said.

Four days later, police officers on patrol spotted a man wearing a dark hoodie, a face mask and gloves attempting to open the door of a closed convenience store on Route 22. Police identified the man as Wilchez, who had a small hatchet on him at the time, prosecutors said.

Less than two hours later, prosecutors said a person matching Wilchez's description broke the glass of a gas station on Route 22 in Greenbrook. Once inside, prosecutors said he stole various vaping products as well as cash from the register.

Following an investigation, Wilchez was arrested in Westhampton and charged with four counts each of third-degree burglary, theft and fourth-degree criminal mischief. He also faces charges of attempted burglary and weapon possession.

A week later, police arrested Maisonet, who was identified as the driver in the burglaries. Maisonet was charged with two counts of third-degree theft and two counts of third-degree conspiracy to commit burglary.

Anyone with information relevant to the investigation should contact the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Burglary Unit at 908-231-7100.