A Union County Sheriff’s officer has been charged with recruiting the assistance of an employee from a local Home Depot to help him steal more than $5,000 in home remodeling merchandise earlier this year, acting Union County Prosecutor Michael A. Monahan announced Friday.
Officials say Jose Beltran, 30, of Elizabeth is charged with third-degree theft and third-degree conspiracy to commit theft.
An investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office’s Professional Standards Unit revealed that on at least three occasions from late August into late September 2018, Beltran traveled to the Home Depot on U.S. Routes 1&9 in Linden while off duty and brought a combined total of approximately $5,156 in flooring materials, tools, and other merchandise to a specific store cashier, 23-year-old Polly Linton of Linden.
Rather than charging Beltran, Linton allegedly utilized various fraud tactics to allow Beltran to remove multiple items from the store without paying for them.
Authorities say Linton has also been charged with third-degree theft and third-degree conspiracy to commit theft.
These charges were served via summonses this week. A first appearance for Beltran has been scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 21st.
These criminal charges are mere accusations. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.