PATERSON POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED FOR SHOPLIFTING FROM MARSHALLS STORE WHILE ON DUTY

A Paterson police officer, 25-year-old Jeury DeJesus-Rodriguez, has been arrested and charged with shoplifting while working an overtime security shift at a local store, according to Passaic County officials. DeJesus-Rodriguez was taken into custody on August 22, 2024, by members of the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office Public Integrity Unit in Totowa.

Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes stated that while DeJesus-Rodriguez was providing security at Marshalls in Paterson, he allegedly shoplifted several clothing items. He reportedly took the items to an employee bathroom, removed the packaging and price tags, and left the store without paying. The stolen merchandise was valued at $66.97.

DeJesus-Rodriguez faces charges of third-degree official misconduct and a disorderly persons offense for shoplifting. The third-degree charge carries a potential sentence of up to five years in New Jersey State Prison, while the disorderly persons offense could result in up to 180 days of imprisonment.

The investigation was conducted by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Public Integrity Unit, with assistance from the Paterson Police Department Internal Affairs Division. DeJesus-Rodriguez is scheduled to appear for Central Judicial Processing on September 9, 2024. The investigation is ongoing, and Prosecutor Valdes referred all questions to the Paterson Police Department.