RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A stolen U-Haul van led police to uncover a far-reaching identity theft and fraud scheme involving a local couple now facing a slew of charges including forgery, firearm violations, and child endangerment, authorities said.
Peter M. Gittens, 37, and Chambreona J. Williams, 33 — also known as Tenisha O. Gittens — were arrested after a joint investigation by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office and the Raritan Township Police Department revealed they were in possession of a stolen van and had leased apartment units under false identities.
The investigation began in January when the Raritan Township Police Department received a report of a stolen U-Haul van. Authorities later determined the van had been fraudulently obtained by Williams. Both individuals were also found to have used false identities to rent residential units in Raritan Township.
A traffic stop by Clinton Township police on April 4 led to the detention of the defendants, who were subsequently arrested by Raritan Township officers. A search of their residences and vehicle turned up a trove of fraudulent documents and stolen property, including over $75,000 in stolen U.S. Treasury checks and an illegal credit card skimming device.
Firearm and child endangerment charges added
Investigators also recovered an unregistered handgun, large-capacity ammunition magazines, and two stolen cockapoo dogs. Authorities said Peter M. Gittens was prohibited from possessing the firearm due to a prior conviction.
During the search, police discovered Williams’ two young children — ages five and two — left unsupervised in her apartment, leading to charges of endangering the welfare of a child.
Williams was released onto pretrial monitoring following a court hearing on April 11. She is scheduled to appear before Judge Christopher J. Garrenger on May 19. Her attorney is Yoana Yakova, Esq.
Key Points
- Peter M. Gittens and Chambreona J. Williams charged in stolen vehicle, ID theft, and firearms case
- Authorities found $75K in stolen Treasury checks, illegal gun, skimmer, and abandoned children
- Williams released under monitoring; Gittens detained pending trial in Warren County Jail