ESSEX COUNTY, N.J. — Three sheriff’s officers are facing charges after allegedly stealing high-end sneakers and a designer belt during a drug raid in East Orange, authorities announced Friday, Aug. 29.
According to Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, the incident occurred on Jan. 10, 2023, at the apartment of Kirk Mansook, located at 470 Park Ave. Officers Jimmy Rodriguez (39, Kearny), Fabian Caicedo (45, East Rutherford), and Erik Udvarhely (44, Belleville) were part of the Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Narcotics at the time.
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Mansook was arrested on minor drug charges and later released, but when he returned home, he discovered several items missing. Surveillance footage captured Rodriguez and Caicedo removing boxes of sneakers and the belt, placing them in bags, and loading them into a work vehicle. Prosecutors said Rodriguez and Udvarhely later transferred the stolen items into their personal vehicles.
“These charges reflect our unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability,” Stephens said. “No one is above the law, and when law enforcement officers betray the public trust, they will be held responsible.”
Sheriff Amir Jones called the case “deeply saddening,” adding that the department was “profoundly disappointed” by the officers’ actions.
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Rodriguez: Charged with third-degree theft and fourth-degree falsifying/tampering with records
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Udvarhely: Charged with third-degree receiving stolen property
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Caicedo: Charged with third-degree theft
All three officers have been suspended pending further investigation.
Anyone with information can contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC (1-877-847-7432). All calls will remain confidential.
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