In Verona: Stolen Elephant Statue / Social Security Fraud / Neighborly Driving Conflict / Wage Dispute

Editor’s Note: The following incidents are reprinted directly from the Verona police blotter, a listing of selected incidents that may not include the full scope of activity in the area. All of the following incidents are accusations, and all suspects should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

9/5/2015

2:51 PM - Officer Thomas Conroy took a report of fraud from a Forest Avenue resident. The resident reported that she received notification from Social Security that a change had been made to her account. She reported she has not made any changes and was attempting to contact Social Security directly.

9/6/2015

10 AM - Officer Justin Nielsen took a report of a theft from a Park Avenue business. The business owner reported that an elephant statue was removed from the front of the business during the overnight hours. Value of the statue is approximately $5,000.

9/7/2015

12:04 AM - Officer Brendan Huber took a report of a dispute on Highland Terrace. The dispute was between neighbors over the way one of the residents was driving on the street. Officers spoke to all parties involved and they were advised of complaint procedures.

11:49 AM - Officer Erin McGarrity responded to the Pilgrim Plaza on a report of a suspicious person. The subject was located and while checking his credentials it was determined that there were outstanding warrants from the Roseland and Totowa Municipal courts. The subject Timothy Moran of Belleville was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters. After processing he was released with court dates for each court.

9/8/2015

8:49 AM - Officer Anthony Condorelli took a report of found wallet from a Gould Street resident. The owner was contacted and responded to pick up her property.

3:25 PM - Officer Mike Barone took a report of fraud from a Morningside Road resident. The resident reported several unauthorized transactions on his debit card. He advised the bank of the charges and closed the account. He was provided with identity theft information.

7:56 PM - Officer Christ Scheper took a report of a found license plate on Lakeside Avenue. Several attempts were made to contact the owner with negative results.

9/9/2015

8:20 AM - Officer Bill Frazee took a report of a burglary to a motor vehicle from an Oakridge Road resident. The resident reported his vehicle was entered during the overnight hours. Missing at this time is a miter saw valued at $200.

11:52 AM - Officer Ed Ruff arrested Steven Salerno of Caldwell after he was sentenced to the Essex County Jail by the Verona Municipal Court. He was processed and transported to the Essex County Jail.

6:58 PM - Officer Conroy took a report of a dispute at a Bloomfield Avenue business. The dispute was between the owner and a former employee over wages due the employee. Officers spoke to all parties involved and they were advised of complaint procedures.