NEWTON, NJ (Sussex County) – An Essex County man admits to stealing a wallet from a customer at the Walmart in Hampton Township, according to Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart.
Manuel Cartagena-Araya, 38, of Newark pleaded guilty to fourth-degree theft on Nov. 3 before the Honorable Michael C. Gaus, J.S.C. at the Sussex County Courthouse in Newton, Taggart said.
In pleading guilty, Cartagena-Araya admitted to knowingly taking movable property that had a value of more than $200 but less than $500, including a wallet and its contents belonging to a customer who was shopping at Walmart in Hampton Township on January 12, 2021, Taggart said.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2023 before the Honorable Michael C. Gaus, J.S.C., Taggart said.
The case was investigated by Tpr. D. Rubino of the New Jersey State Police. Cartagena-Araya was represented by Thomas Militano, Esq., and the State was represented by Special Deputy Attorney General and Acting Assistant Prosecutor Sally Anne Monkemeier.
