Connecticut Women Were Part of Multistate Fencing Operation, Cops Allege

Two Connecticut women were arrested in Mahwah Sunday on charges that they had conspired to sell tens of thousands of dollar worth of stolen goods stashed in their car, according to cops.

Mahwah Police Officer David Vega stopped a 2002 Honda Accord 4-door sedan on Route 287 for a traffic violation at approximately 11 p.m. Sunday night, according to a police report.

Cops interviewed the driver, Jennifer DeJesus, 37, and her passenger, Alanna Prior, 34, both of West Haven, CT, and searched the car. Cops say they discovered hypodermic needles, marijuana, heroin prescription pills and other drug paraphernalia, along with a laundry list of other consumer products.

“A large quantity of items which [DeJesus and Prior] admitted were stolen were found in the vehicle and it was learned the items were part of a larger fencing operation,” according to Mahwah Police Chief James Batelli. “Ledger books with addresses of various Petsmart, Petco, AC Moore, Michaels Arts & Crafts, JoAnn Fabrics, Walgreens and stores in Westchester, New York, Ohio, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey were also located in the vehicle.”

The Honda contained 11 large garbage bags full of aquarium pumps, remote dog trainers, mercury vapor lamps, submersible pumps, power centers, pet medication, cake decorating sets and fabric cutting dies valued at more that $10,000 according to police.

Cops subsequently discovered that both women had outstanding warrants out of Bucks County, Penn., and extradition is pending. 

DeJesus was charged with receiving stolen property, trafficking in stolen property, conspiracy to traffic stolen property and speeding. Prior was charged with possession of hypodermic needles and drug paraphernalia, receiving stolen property, trafficking in stolen property and conspiracy to traffic in stolen property.

Both were sent to Bergen County Jail in lieu of bail.