A motorcycle theft back in July spurned a multi-pronged, two-month investigation where the Hoboken Police Department was able to help break up a “chop shop” in Newark.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
On July 8th, Det. Michael Miranda was made aware of a motorcycle theft which took place in the area of 3rd and River Streets. Through his investigation, he was able to track the van that was used to steal the motorcycle back to a Newark address, according to Police Det. Sgt. Jonathan Mecka.
Over the next two months, Miranda worked with Newark Police Det. Javier Figueroa, Essex County Sheriff’s Officer Kevin Macken, and the New Jersey State Police Auto Theft Task Force to identify the potential whereabouts of the stolen motorcycle.
The information obtained during that time frame led to a search of a residence and garage occupied by Jose Ventura-Perez and Carmen Martinez.
As a result of the search warrant, multiple reported stolen vehicles and other evidence were recovered which showed that the location was being used as a facility to sell stolen motor vehicle parts.
Ventura-Perez and Martinez were both charged with eight counts of receiving stolen property(stolen motorcycles from New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey – including Hoboken), a stolen jet ski, and a stolen car, and three counts of removal or alteration of vehicle identification numbers.
Ventura-Perez faced additional charged of burglary and theft for stealing the motorcycle out of Hoboken on July 8th.
Beyond recovering the stolen items, over $14,000 was recovered which, was believed to be proceeds of the crime.
The arrest process took place in Newark, and once completed they, were transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility, police said.
