Ring Stole $4M In Goods From Kearny Truck Yards, Police Say

KEARNY, NJ — Kearny police announced Saturday they just made an eighth arrest in an ongoing investigation into a network of alleged thieves stealing from multiple Kearny trucking yards.

Kearny police say they've been watching the group for the past 18 months, during which time they've stolen approximately 15 tractor trailers from Kearny trucking yards, allegedly helping themselves to merchandise including Hershey's chocolate syrup, waffle sandwiches, cosmetics, chemicals, tires, linen, clothing and liquor. In total, the group stole more than $4 million in goods, police say. They housed the stolen merchandise in warehouses in Linden, North Bergen and Clifton after lifting it off trucks.

It was a Jersey City man who led the cargo theft ring, police say. Kearny police began the investigation, dubbed "Operation Equinox," and then called in the State Police when they realized its scope, they said.

The following is a list of the individuals who were arrested:

• Douglas Abarca, age 40, of Jersey City, was named as a leader in the cargo theft network.
• Christopher Williams, age 38, of Jersey City
• David Soliman, age 32, of Jersey City
• Jesus Navarro, age 31, of Jersey City
• Nelson Pena-Restituyo, age 52, of Union City
• Sami Khales, age 26, of Palisades Park
• Juan Salazar, age 40, of Elizabeth

During the investigation, law enforcement officers said they recovered various amounts of the
stolen merchandise, including 36 pallets of Hershey Syrup with an approximate wholesale value
of $120,000, a shipment of clothing with an approximate wholesale value of $300,000 and a
shipment of waffle sandwiches with an approximate wholesale value of $40,000.

“These arrests are the culmination of an intensive investigation spanning multiple law enforcement agencies," said Kearny Police Chief George King. "I am extremely proud of the work done by members of the Kearny Police Department Detective Bureau and their collaboration with county, state and federal agencies to bring this to a successful conclusion.”

The U.S. Postal Service and the federal Dept. of Homeland Security also assisted.

Kearny police continue to actively investigate these cases. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kearny Police Department at 201-998-1313 or tips@kearnynjpd.org. All information will be kept confidential.

Photo released by Kearny police.