ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Police have arrested one of the fake "FBI agents" who recently invaded and ransacked a woman's apartment in Newark, but the other suspects still remain at large, authorities say.
According to the Newark Department of Public Safety, the robbery took place around 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 27 at an apartment building on Mott Street near Raymond Boulevard.
Police said three men entered the building and knocked on the victim's third-floor apartment. When she answered, they claimed to be federal agents and demanded that she open the door.
After the victim opened her door, they rushed inside and pushed her down onto the couch. One of the men held her down, while the other two ransacked the apartment, stealing $7,500 from a safe in the bedroom and two credit cards from her purse, police said.
The men then left the building, where a fourth suspect waited outside in a black Toyota Camry Solara with out-of-state plates. The car fled the scene east on Fleming Avenue, authorities said.
Newark police released surveillance photos of the suspects, the vehicle, and a shuttle bus that may be connected to the home invasion (see below).
On Thursday, police announced that Samuel Prata, 42, of Newark, has been arrested in connection with the home invasion. He has been charged with burglary, theft, criminal restraint, impersonating a public servant, and conspiracy.
A police search for the other suspects is ongoing. Authorities said anyone with information can contact the Police Division's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). Anonymous tips can also be made using the Police Division's website.
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