5 Workers At Nordstrom Store At Short Hills Mall Arrested In Returns Scheme

MILLBURN, NJ — The Millburn police arrested five employees over three days at a store at the Short Hills Mall for theft, saying the employees processed more than $40,000 in fraudulent returns onto gift cards. At least one worker was caught with four of the gift cards, police said.

All five of the employees were charged with theft by deception, police said.

On Feb. 10, Millburn Police Officer Manuyag responded to Nordstrom at the Mall at Short Hills on a report of a theft. Nordstrom associates said an employee, 22-year-old Shanya Bell of Union, had stolen $10,596 by conducting fraudulent returns onto gift cards. The investigation led to the recovery of four gift cards from her person. She was later issued a summons for theft and subsequently released, police say.

The same day, Nordstrom employees told Officer Zonn that Jy Smart-El, 20, of Millburn, who worked there, had stolen $14,734 by conducting fraudulent returns onto gift cards. Smart-El was issued summonses and released.

On Feb. 11, Millburn Police Officer Goldfarb responded to the same store. Associates said a 23-year-old Union woman, Christina Limage, stole $6,619.79 by conducting fraudulent returns onto gift cards. She was issued summonses and released.

Also that day, Officer Zonn responded to Nordstrom, where associates said Sophia Germaine, 22, of Union stole $2,284.54 by conducting fraudulent returns onto gift cards. As with the others, an investigation led to her arrest. She was issued summonses and released.

On Feb. 12, Officer Herrera responded to Nordstrom at the Mall at Short Hills for a report of theft. In that case, associates said Aaminah Thomas, 26, of Elizabeth, had stolen $5,924.23 by conducting fraudulent returns onto gift cards. She was issued summonses and released.

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