Crime & Safety
Police Officer Stole from Woodbridge Walmart, Prosecutor Says
He makes $83,000 a year, but stole from the local Walmart and Target stores, prosecutors said.
Woodbridge, NJ - A Union County police officer was charged with stealing from stores in four different towns, including the Woodbridge Walmart, acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park announced Friday.
Blake Clay, 33, of Rahway, was charged with third-degree theft for allegedly stealing from the Walmart and Target stores in Clark, Edison, Linden, and Woodbridge, Park reported.
Clay "used counterfeit barcodes of his own creation to significantly lower the prices of various items when they would be rung up at the register," Park said.
Find out what's happening in Woodbridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
As a result he repeatedly paid amounts of $1.50 to $4.50 for items ranging in price from $15.99 to $39.99, according to the prosecutor's report.
He makes $83,300 a year employed by the Union County police department, according to 101.5.
Find out what's happening in Woodbridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Clay was charged Thursday afternoon, and he was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the case. His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, May 25.
He could face between 3 to 5 years in state prison.
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