Crime & Safety

Verizon Cleaner Accused of Nabbing Pre-Release Cell Phones

Morristown man allegedly took two Droid phones with intent to sell.

Two pre-release Droid cell phones were allegedly stolen by a Morristown man working as a cleaner at Verizon Co. with the intent of selling the phones to a relative, police said. The employee, Garbriel Alvarado, 37, has been charged with theft, police said.

The alleged theft of the cell phones was reported on Thursday, Sept. 2, by Verizon Wireless Security at 1 Verizon Way in Basking Ridge, according to police. Township Detective Robert Herndon initiated an investigation with information provided by Verizon.

Police said Herdon interviewed Alvarado, who allegedly told the detective he intended to sell the phones to a family member. Based on the interview, police said other they believe other phones may had previously been taken from Verizon. Police said the total value of the 30 phones reported stolen was set at about $15,000. The alleged theft is believed to have taken place between Aug. 19 and Sept. 2, police reported.

 Police said the two Droid phones were found in the possession of Alvarado's nephew, Gustavo Martinez-Reyes, 24, of Morris Plains. Police said Herdon and Detective Jon Burger, accompanied by Alvarado and Morris County detectives, went to Martinez-Reyes' residence, where Reyes allegedly admitted having the phones, and knowing they were stolen.

Reyes turned the phones over and was taken into custody by Morris County authorities. He has been charged with receiving stolen property, township police said.

Police said Alvarado was placed under arrest by Herndon and Burger, and was transported back to the township police station for processing. He was then taken to Somerset County Jail, to be lodged until bail was set, police said.

Police also reported that an employee at Tilcon Millington Quarry, 135 Stonehouse Rd. reported damage to two tractors and a garage on quarry property, believed to have occurred between Aug. 27 and Sept. 2. The first tractor had three broken cab windows, while a second had a cracked windshield, according to police.

Police said damage of three broken windows, a hole in the wall and a fire extinguisher emptied in an office also was reported in a garage on the site. Police said an investigation is continuing. No damage estimates have been set, police said.


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