Fairfield (NJ) The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Adalberto Mercado (57) of Paterson, NJ for theft and criminal mischief. On Monday, March 20, 2023, at approximately 8:01pm officers were dispatched to a suspicious person call on Fairfield Road. Officers were advised two people were walking together, one wearing a brown coat and rolling a suitcase. They were noted to be walking around the properties of closed businesses.
Officer James Ciampi located the pair near Corrado’s Market. It was determined that they were adult family members and staying locally in a hotel. Corporal David Lagan also assisted and spoke with both parties.
Through investigative means on scene, Mercado was found to be in possession of two catalytic converters. Mercado could not recall where he obtained them from, and they were confiscated. With no apparent victim, Mercado was free to leave pending further investigation.
Later in the evening, Officer Vincent Purcell located a van on Edison Place missing two catalytic converters. Detectives were able to positively match the previously confiscated converters to the van located on Edison Place.
On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, detectives continued their investigation and Mercado was subsequently placed under arrest for theft and criminal mischief. Mercado was transported to police headquarters, processed and later released on a summons pending a May 16, 2023 court date at the Essex County Courthouse. “This was great police work done by our patrol officers as well as Detectives Moran, Cocchi and Tilton. It’s unfortunate that bail reform allows non-violent offenders to be back on the street within mere hours of their arrest,” said Officer Stacy Chiarolanza.
(It should be noted that the charges are merely allegations and that there is a presumption of innocence until Mercado either pleads guilty or is found guilty in a court of law)
Issued by: Officer Stacy Chiarolanza (PIO)
