Credit Card Theft, Burglary Charges Levied After Probe

Nearly a year after an investigation was launched into a burglarized vehicle, a Newark man was arrested in connection with the case, according to Parsippany Police.

Thomas Quinones, 45, faces charges of third-degree burglary, fourth-degree credit card theft and third-degree fraudulent use of a credit card, according to a statement from the department.

The charges stem from Dec. 3, 2011, when police launched a probe into the burglary of a 1997 Honda Accord, according to department spokesperson Patrolman Earl Kinsey. Kinsey said the car's window was smashed while parked in the lot of Pro Haircutters, 1127 Route 46, and that a wallet containing three credit cards was taken from the car.

The statement continued, saying the three reportedly stolen credit card were used at a dozen locations that same day, with total charges amounting to almost $1,600.

A second car reportedly burglarized on the same day in the nearby lot of the Empire Diner is also under investigation as part of this case. Police said the rear passenger window of a vehicle was smashed and a TomTom GPS unit was stolen. At the time, Kinsey said the two incidents were believed to be connected.

He told Patch Tuesday that so far there is not enough evidence to charge Quinones for the Empire Diner crime, but that he remains a suspect. 

Kinsey said Detective Joseph Puso conducted the investigation into the crimes, which eventually led to the Oct. 25 arrest of Quinones. He added that the probe continues.

Quinones is being held in lieu of $10,000 bail with no 10 percent option at the Morris County Correctional Facility, Kinsey said.