Crime & Safety

Man Burglarizes Former Workplace In Essex County: Police

A Lodi man has been accused of stealing $100 from his former employer in Fairfield, authorities announced earlier this week.

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A Lodi man has been accused of burglarizing his former employer in Fairfield, authorities announced earlier this week.

According to the Fairfield Police Department, James Romero, 37, of Lodi, was charged with burglary and theft in connection with an incident that took place on Jan. 10 at Excalibur Equipment on Eldridge Road.

Fairfield police released the following details about the allegations Romero faces:

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“The company had experienced two prior thefts of cash from a cash box located in one of the offices, with the most recent occurring on Dec. 18, 2019. As a result of these crimes, the company installed surveillance cameras. It is alleged that on Jan. 10, at approximately 9:46 p.m., the surveillance camera captured Romero, a former employee that was dismissed from employment in June or July 2019, use a key to enter the facility and steal $100 in cash. He then left the facility, locking the door behind.”

Romero surrendered to Fairfield police on Jan. 16. He was released on his own recognizance pending an appearance in the Superior Court in Newark on March 18.

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