Police recently arrested a Willingboro man who is accused of attempted shoplifting at the Moorestown Mall. Officials say they subsequently discovered the man was wanted on several theft charges out of Florida.
According to authorities from the Moorestown Police Department, 27-year-old Willingboro resident Rodger Torres-Lopez was taken into custody on Thursday, November 10th. Torres-Lopez allegedly concealed clothing with an estimated value of $123.00 at the Macy’s department store in the Moorestown Mall.
Shortly after his arrest, investigators discovered that Torres-Lopez was wanted in connection with two separate cases out of Florida. One of the warrants is for larceny charges out of Brevard County, while the other is for burglary charges out of Osceola County. Torres-Lopez was being held at the Burlington County Jail in lieu of bail set at $2,500 for the shoplifting charge and $20,000 for the fugitive charge.
With regard to his New Jersey shoplifting case, Torres-Lopez is likely facing disorderly persons offense charges for shoplifting. This means that his case will likely be adjudicated in the Cinnaminson Municipal Court, where municipal court cases out of Moorestown are held. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11, the statute that governs shoplifting offenses, shoplifting is classified as a disorderly persons offense if the allegedly stolen merchandise is valued at $200 or less.
Disorderly persons charges for shoplifting are punishable by a sentence to serve up to 6 months in the county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a charge on the defendant’s criminal record, and restitution payments to the retailer. A conviction for shoplifting can also spell negative implications for your immigration status if you are not a permanent United States citizen because shoplifting is considered a “crime of moral turpitude.”
It is important to note that Torres-Lopez is facing shoplifting charges for allegedly “concealing clothing,” not removing the clothing from the premises. The New Jersey shoplifting statute is purposefully broad in its language to encompass 7 distinct offenses, among which is the act of “purposely concealing an item or merchandise.” The underlying presumption of this offense is that the actor is concealing the merchandise with the intent to deprive the retailer of the full value thereof.
While Torres-Lopez is facing charges in New Jersey, he will also be required to face prosecution for his alleged crimes in Florida. The outcome in all of these cases remains to be seen.
For additional information pertaining to this case, access the following article: South Jersey shoplifter was wanted in Florida, police say
Police recently arrested a Willingboro man who is accused of attempted shoplifting at the Moorestown Mall. Officials say they subsequently discovered the man was wanted on several theft charges out of Florida. According to authorities from the Moorestown Police Department, 27-year-old Willingboro resident Rodger Torres-Lopez was taken into custody on Thursday, November 10th. […]
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