Playstation Controller Theft Leads to Drug Charges, Police Say

Plainfield residents Brian Sanders, 26, and Craig Johnson, 21, were each charged with less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphrenalia on Sept. 11, after Watchung police responded to a report of shoplifting at the Wal-Mart store.

Police said Wal-Mart security personnel reported Sanders had attempted to take 10 Playstation controllers and bag, valued at $514.57.

During the investigation, Johnson, who had accompanied Sanders into the store, gave a false name, leading to a charge of hindering an investigation.

When police took both men into custody, each was found in possession of marijuana.

Sanders was turned over to Somerset County Jail, after failing to post a $500 bond.

Johnson also has an outstanding warrant from the Plainfield municipal court requiring a $500 bond, and a $350 warrant issued by Newark municipal court. He was released to Plainfield police. 

Watchung police also received the following reports:

Thomas Peterson, 52, of Irvington, was charged with shoplifting electronics, valued at $209.46, from the Wal-Mart store at 11:56 a.m. Sept. 15. He was turned over to Somerset County Jail after failing to post a $250 bond.

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Maria Guardado-Menjivar, 39, of Bound Brook, was charged with shoplifting children's clothing and costume jewelry at the Sears store, valued at $114, altogether, at 2 p.m. Sept. 15. She was released after posting a $150 bond.

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Wal-Mart security personnel also reported the theft of batteries and supplies, valued at $271.65, from the store at 1:26 p.m. Sept. 12 by a man who fled on foot.