Resident of Bogota, NJ Accused of Retail Theft at Secaucus Home Depot

Police recently arrested a Bogota, NJ man accused of attempting to shoplift at a Home Depot store located in Secaucus, New Jersey. The suspect in the Secaucus shoplifting case is Steven Scotti, a 45-year-old man who lives in Bogota in Bergen County, NJ. According to Hudson county law enforcement, Scotti entered the Home Depot at 1055 Paterson Plank Road in Secaucus and tried to steal unspecified items. Although authorities have not released many details about the arrest, the fact that the shoplifting was referred to as an “attempt” suggests that Scotti may not have been successful in getting out of the store before being stopped by security guards.

At some point, the Secaucus Police Department got involved and investigated the alleged theft attempt. Detectives determined that enough evidence existed to place Scotti under arrest for the Home Depot shoplifting. Additionally, police reportedly ran a computer check on Scotti and learned that he had two outstanding arrest warrants out of Bergen County, New Jersey. According to law enforcement officials, Scotti had an outstanding warrant from Lodi and another outstanding warrant from Bogota, NJ. As a result, he could face criminal charges in both Hudson County and Bergen County.

Retail Theft Offenses & Penalties in Bergen County, NJ

After being arrested and processed, Scotti was moved to the Hudson County Jail. Depending on the nature of his other criminal charges in Bergen County, NJ, Scotti could remain bars in Hudson County or he could be transferred to the Bergen County Correctional Facility in Hackensack, New Jersey.

If Scotti does not reach a plea deal with prosecutors, and if prosecutors elect not to drop the charges against Scotti, he could be subject to severe penalties. That’s because retail theft can be classified as a felony-level offense in New Jersey, depending on the retail value of the items that were stolen. In this case, it is unclear what Scotti is accused of trying to steal from the Secaucus Home Depot. The value of any items that Scotti allegedly stole from the store would determine whether he faces felony charges or disorderly persons offense charges. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3(a), theft of property or money valued at more than $200 is a fourth degree crime. A conviction for a fourth degree felony in NJ could lead to the offender being sentenced to up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison.

Free Consultation with Aggressive Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Shoplifting Charges in Bogota, NJ

Travis Tormey is an experienced criminal attorney who represents clients charged with shoplifting, theft of movable property, theft by deception, and other theft crimes in Bergen County, NJ. If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a theft offense in New Jersey, contact Attorney Tormey now to discuss the case and explore your options.