ESSEX COUNTY, NJ – Three Essex County Sheriff’s officers have been charged with theft after allegedly stealing high-end sneakers and a designer belt during a search warrant at an East Orange apartment, authorities announced Friday.
The officers, Jimmy Rodriguez, 39, of Kearny; Fabian Caicedo, 45, of East Rutherford; and Erik Udvarhely, 44, of Belleville, were assigned to the Sheriff’s Office’s Bureau of Narcotics at the time of the incident, which took place on January 10, 2023, at 470 Park Ave.
The apartment’s resident was arrested on minor drug charges during the search and later released. Upon returning to his apartment, the resident discovered several items, including sneakers and a designer belt, had gone missing.
Surveillance footage revealed that Rodriguez and Caicedo had removed the items, placed them in plastic bags, and loaded them into their work vehicle. Rodriguez and Udvarhely then transferred the items to their personal vehicles.
Rodriguez has been charged with third-degree theft and fourth-degree falsifying or tampering with records. Udvarhely faces a third-degree charge of receiving stolen property, while Caicedo is charged with third-degree theft.
The officers have been suspended pending further investigation.
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II emphasized the commitment to transparency and accountability, stating, “No one is above the law, and when law enforcement officers betray the public trust, they will be held responsible.”
Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones also expressed disappointment, saying, “This conduct does not represent who we are, and it will not be tolerated. Anyone who violates the law will be held fully accountable.”
