TRIO ARRESTED IN SOMERSET COUNTY BURGLARY SPREE—HOW POLICE TRACKED THEM DOWN

Somerset County authorities have arrested three men in connection with two residential burglaries in Franklin Township and Hillsborough in October 2024.

Rodrigo A. Lopez, 42, of Bridgewater; Edison Jimenez-Castro, 35, of Manville; and Andres Moncaleano, 30, of Elizabeth, were identified as suspects following a joint investigation by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office (SCPO) Burglary Unit and local law enforcement.

On October 18, Franklin Township Police responded to a burglary on Second Street, where entry was made through a broken second-floor window. Video surveillance captured a vehicle near the scene. A week later, on October 25, Hillsborough Township Police investigated a similar burglary on Brennan Way, where two suspects were seen fleeing in a vehicle matching the one from the Franklin Township incident. Stolen items included jewelry, coins, and artwork.

The investigation revealed the involvement of multiple individuals and two vehicles. On February 5, Lopez was arrested in Bridgewater, and Jimenez-Castro was taken into custody in Manville. Both were charged with multiple counts of burglary, conspiracy, theft, and possession of burglary tools. They were held in Somerset County Jail pending a court hearing.

A warrant was issued for Moncaleano, who was later arrested on February 11 in South Brunswick. He was lodged in Middlesex County Jail awaiting court proceedings.

Authorities continue their investigation.