Union Co. Sheriff’s Officer Stole Remodeling Supplies: Prosecutor

A Union County Sheriff’s officer has been charged with recruiting a Home Depot employee to help him steal more than $5,000 in home remodeling merchandise, according to Union County Prosecutor Michael A. Monahan.

Jose Beltran, 30, of Elizabeth is charged with third-degree theft and third-degree conspiracy to commit theft, Monahan said.

According to authorities, an investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office’s Professional Standards Unit revealed that on at least three occasions from late August into late September, Beltran traveled to the Home Depot on U.S. Routes 1 & 9 in Linden while off duty and brought a combined total of approximately $5,156 in flooring materials, tools, and other merchandise to a specific store cashier, 23-year-old Polly Linton of Linden.

Rather than charging Beltran, Linton allegedly utilized various fraud tactics to allow Beltran to remove multiple items from the store without paying for them, Monahan said.

Linton has also been charged with third-degree theft and third-degree conspiracy to commit theft, Monahan said.

According to Monahan, the charges were served via summonses this week.

A first appearance for Beltran has been scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 21, Monahan said.

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

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