FAIRFIELD, NJ – A local woman, Paola Moncada, 54, of Fairfield, has been arrested and charged with shoplifting after an incident at the Target store located on Route 46 on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
According to the Fairfield Police Department, officers were dispatched to the store at approximately 8:10 p.m. in response to a report of a shoplifter who had been detained by store security. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Moncada being held by the store’s security personnel.
It is alleged that Moncada had taken several items from the store without paying for them, totaling a value of $216. Security staff at Target stopped her before she could leave the premises with the stolen goods.
Fairfield Police Officers Ryan Cleary and Brianna Zichelli arrested Moncada on the spot. She was transported to police headquarters for processing. Moncada was later released, pending an initial court appearance scheduled for February 22, 2025, at the Essex County Courthouse.
Moncada faces charges of shoplifting, and authorities will proceed with the case at her court date.