Prosecutor: Two Middlesex County Men Participated In Identity Theft Ring

Authorities arrested two Middlesex County residents who they say participated in a credit card and identity theft ring that potentially netted thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise.

Clare Ojeda 37, and Shaun Howard, 38, both of Sayreville, were charged Wednesday with fraudulent use of a credit card, identity theft, theft by deception and conspiracy to commit identity theft.

Cranford Detective Derek Farbanec and Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Ryan Tighe determined the two men fraudulently obtained and used credit cards in the names of at least seven victims between Dec. 19 and March 9, according to a news release from Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey.

The investigation began after one of the victims discovered a credit card billing problem and contacted Cranford police, authorities said.

Detectives determined the men used the identities of the victims to obtain credit cards, then used them to buy goods such as clothing, shoes and sunglasses, according to the news release.

Authorities said they have not yet determined the total amount of the thefts.

The Cranford Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office were assisted during the investigation by Sayreville, South Amboy, and South River police and inspectors from the U.S. Postal Service.

Bail for each man was set at $50,000.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Farbanec at (908) 272-4222, or Tighe at (732) 745-3300.