ATM Skimming Device Found In Westfield, 2 Arrested

WESTFIELD, NJ — Two people were arrested after Westfield Police Detectives said they found a "skimming" device on an ATM in Town.

On March 29, Detectives Jason Merritt and Eric Carrero were conducting a follow-up investigation of a reported credit card fraud that happened at an East North Avenue business.

Through their review of the business' video surveillance, they identified the suspect as the same
person in numerous other ongoing criminal investigations being investigated by them involving the placement of "skimming" devices on certain area ATM machines, said Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro.

Merritt and Carrero then inspected an area ATM the suspect had previously targeted and saw a "skimming" device and a small camera present on the facia of the machine, said Battiloro.

A second device was also found inside the card reader. The detectives, working together with additional officers, later began a fixed surveillance of the ATM.

Later that night, at around 10:56 p.m., Merritt and Carrero saw a person approach the ATM and begin to examine it. He was confronted and positively identified by them as the suspect, Florin Tarta, 39, of Anaheim, CA.

Merritt and Carrero tried to arrest Tarta, but he resisted their efforts, and physical force was employed. At the time of his arrest, Tarta had more than $5,000 in $100 bills, said Battiloro.

Also arrested was Raul Macaron, 41, of Brooklyn, NY, who was seen driving the vehicle
Tarta arrived in, which was located parked and occupied nearby.

Tarta has been charged with the following crimes committed in this jurisdiction:

• Two counts of third-count credit card – scan device to read cards
• 31 counts of third-degree credit card – intent to commit fraud
• One count of third-degree credit card – pretend to be cardholder
• 31 counts of fourth-degree credit card – receiving value unlawfully by credit card
• 31 counts of third-degree credit card – fraudulent use
• One count of resisting arrest, a disorderly persons offense

Macaron has been charged with the following crimes committed in this jurisdiction:

• One count of third-degree credit card – intent to commit fraud
• One count of third-degree credit card – pretend to be cardholder
• One count of fourth-degree credit card – receiving value unlawfully by credit card
• One count of third-degree credit card – fraudulent use
• One count of third-degree credit card – false statements in obtaining credit card

"This was some exemplary police work by Detectives Merritt and Carrero," said Chief Battiloro, who noted the five cases being investigated by them were among 29 related cases occurring in the Westfield area and actively being investigated by both the FBI and the same financial institution.

"Their initiative and determination to clear these cases by arrest is to be commended," said Battiloro.

It is believed that Tarta and Macaron are among several suspects involved in related criminal activities which have resulted in monetary losses to the financial institution totaling $165,500 in the New Jersey area and $142,360 in the Chicago, IL area, according to Battiloro.

court proceedings.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.