A man wanted in connection with a robbery and vehicle theft reported in May was taken into custody after police stopped him driving a vehicle with expired registration and fraudulent license plates, according to a magistrate’s complaint filed in Superior Court.
Anthony Raymond Mendiola, 42, faces multiple felony charges, including theft of a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit theft of a motor vehicle, and complicity to commit theft of a motor vehicle, all classified as second-degree felonies. He is also charged with third-degree robbery and two counts of fraudulent use of a license plate, both third-degree felonies.
If convicted on all counts, Mendiola could face up to 41 years in prison. A judge ordered him held on $3,000 cash bail.
The arrest occurred at approximately 7:12 p.m. Sunday, when officers conducted a traffic stop on a Kia displaying expired registration tags. According to the complaint, Mendiola told officers the license plates belonged to a different vehicle and admitted he placed them on the car because “times are tough.”
During the stop, police discovered Mendiola had several open cases and was wanted for questioning in ongoing investigations.
The complaint further details a May 17 incident in which a man reported being confronted by Mendiola earlier that day. Mendiola had allegedly visited the home of the man’s sister on two prior nights, claiming he was searching for him.
According to police, Mendiola threatened the man, saying that if he did not surrender his car keys, he would “pay his sister and dogs a visit.” Mendiola allegedly took the victim’s house key, car key, and work badge before handing the car key to another individual.
Authorities were unable to locate the stolen vehicle. The investigation remains ongoing.
