​Fugitive Captured Crossing the Border After Year-Long​​Investigation

Fairfield (NJ) – The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Jose Renteria-Medellin, (56) of Guadalupe, Mexico, for theft by deception that occurred on February 10, 2024.  On that date, an employee of Care by Dank’s, located at 105 Route 46 West in Fairfield, received a phone call from someone pretending to be from “FedEx”.  During the conversation, the employee was told to obtain all the cash from the business safesand deposit it into a Bitcoin machine.  It was relayed by the caller that this was urgent and at the request of the business owner.

While still on the call, the employee received a text from the alleged business owner confirming this request.  The employee was unable to open the safes and called a locksmith to the business to assist.  After the safes were opened, the employee followed the caller’s instructions to deposit the money.  After this was completed, the employee was advised he would receive a callback from the caller approximately twenty minutes later, which never occurred.

In total, over $100,000 in cash was deposited.

Detective Daniel Moran worked on the case and with the assistance of the New Jersey State Police and CustomsBorder Patrol was able to identify the suspect as Jose Renteria-Medellin.

It was discovered he fled to Mexico and an extraditable warrant was issued for his arrest.  On November 28, 2024, Renteria-Medellin was arrested as he crossed overthe Mexican border into the United States.  He was laterextradited to the Essex County Jail in Newark, New Jersey awaiting his arraignment.  

On April 22, 2025, Renteria-Medellin pleaded guilty to theft by deception and conspiracy and remains incarcerated at the Essex County Jail.

“With the assistance of several outside agencies, this investigation took hundreds of hours and ends with apositive outcome,” said Public Information Officer Stacy Chiarolanza.  “Unfortunately, people are scammed everyday by criminals, and we urge the public to be diligent when something doesn’t seem right.  The red flags are there; it’s up to you to slow down the conversation and ask questions.  Call us for help, don’t be the next victim.”

Issued by: Officer Stacy Chiarolanza (PIO)