STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ – Two Atlantic City men have been charged with shoplifting and drug charges in Stafford Township.
On Saturday, January 22, 2022 at approximately 3:00 PM, the Stafford Township Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) was conducting surveillance in the T.J. Maxx Home Goods parking lot located at 601 Washington Avenue, Manahawkin, New Jersey 08050.
This led to the arrest of Pedro Vazquez (55 years old of Atlantic City) and Jose Maldonado (55 years old of Atlantic City) for shoplifting from T.J. Maxx Home Goods.
Pedro Vazquez was charged with Shoplifting, Possession of Crack/Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Hypodermic Syringes for the use of a controlled dangerous substance. In addition, Pedro Vazquez had multiple active outstanding warrants for his arrest. Pedro Vazquez was released on a criminal complaint summons pending a future court appearance.
Jose Maldonado was charged with Shoplifting, Possession of Heroin, and Possession of Hypodermic Syringes for the use of a controlled dangerous substance. Jose Maldonado was released on a criminal complaint summons pending a future court appearance.
Shoplifting and drug related offenses often go hand-in-hand, as shoplifting leads to the black-market sales of stolen items, and in turn is used to buy, possess, and sell narcotics.