JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — A Paterson man has been charged in connection with the theft of more than $2,000 worth of tequila from a liquor store in Jefferson Township, according to police.
Police said officers responded Jan. 10 at about 1:36 p.m. to Chabons II Liquor Store on Espanong Road in the Lake Hopatcong section of the township after receiving a report of a theft.
Store employees told officers that a man entered the store and asked for assistance purchasing several high-end bottles of tequila. The bottles were collected and placed near the register for purchase.
The suspect then asked the clerk for a box of wine bottles that had to be retrieved from a rear storage area. While the clerk went to the back of the store, the suspect grabbed the tequila bottles from the counter and fled, police said.
Authorities said the suspect left the area in a silver four-door SUV traveling in an unknown direction.
Detectives began an investigation and issued an alert for the suspect and vehicle. After coordinating with other law enforcement agencies, investigators identified the suspect as Christopher Stamp, 36, of Paterson.
Stamp has been charged with third-degree theft. Police said the value of the stolen tequila bottles was approximately $2,100.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Jefferson Township Police Department by emailing csmolt@jeffersonpolice.com or jmondish@jeffersonpolice.com, or by calling 973-697-1300.
