Caregiver For Disabled Bergen County Child Caught In Suspicious Act, Charged: Police

MAHWAH, NJ — A caregiver for a disabled child in Mahwah was charged with theft last week, police said.

According to Mahwah Police Captain Michael Blondin, on Friday, police responded to a house on a report of a suspicious incident.

A resident returned home early and discovered their disabled child's caretaker "in their bedroom going through their drawers with a flashlight," police said.

Nothing was found missing. However, the same resident had reported several thousands dollars missing from the home on a prior occasion, Blondin said.

Mahwah Det. Timothy Letavish and Officer Ryan Moore investigated.

As a result, Elvin Alcantara, 26, from the Bronx, was arrested and charged with theft and conspiracy to commit theft.

He was processed and released to await an appearance in Superior Court, Blondin said Tuesday.

Alcantara is employed by an agency that provides care to children with special needs, Blondin noted. Anyone else who suspects they may have been a victim is asked to contact Detective Letavish with the Mahwah Police Department at (201)529-1000 ext. 216.

Mahwah police thanked the New Jersey State Police Polygraph Unit for their assistance.