Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Chief of Investigations Stephen F. Wilson Jr., and Harding Township Police Chief Erik J. Heller announce the arrest of an individual as the result of an investigation into a residential burglary in Harding Township.
Police say on August 20th, the Harding Township Police Department received a report of a burglary to a residence where approximately $40,000 worth of jewelry and other high-value personal property was stolen.
Police commenced an investigation and as a direct result of critical information obtained from a citizen witness, members of the Harding Township Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division, Intelligence Unit identified a suspect.
Police say on September 16, 2018, members of the Bay Harbor Island Police Department (Florida), along with the New York City.
Police Department, apprehended Rodrigo Astete, age 28, of Chile, for an active arrest warrant out of Florida for a residential burglary that they were investigating parallel to the Morris County investigation.
While the suspect was in custody, the Harding Township Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for Rodrigo Astete for one (1) count of third-degree burglary and one (1) count of third-degree theft by unlawful taking stemming from the residential burglary in Harding Township on August 20th.
Rodrigo Astete is currently lodged in New York and is was awaiting extradition to Florida for an alleged string of burglaries
committed in South Florida. Following the suspect’s prosecution for the burglaries in Florida, the suspect is expected to be extradited to Morris County to face the burglary and theft charges.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office reminds the public that it is essential to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office website (www.prosecutor.morriscountynj.gov/crime/) includes several
important crime prevention strategies that are recommended to members of the public. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence Unit is working closely with Municipal and County Law Enforcement Agencies to solve and prevent burglaries in the community.
Members of the public are reminded that they can provide crime tips to the Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers either online at www.copcall.org or by calling (973) COP CALL – (973) 267-2255.