Three New Jersey Women Charged with Stealing Grave Markers
Three New Jersey women have been arrested for allegedly stealing from several cemeteries. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the three women have been charged with theft and fencing stolen property. The women were arrested after allegedly trying to sell nearly 400 grave markers and urns to a Philadelphia scrap yard. According to the article, the items may have come from several different cemeteries.
New Jersey 2C:20-7.1 defines fencing as “possession of altered property,” or “dealing in stolen property.” To be convicted of fencing, the defendant must have known that the property was stolen. Defendants who believed they were legally in possession of an item should not be charged or convicted of fencing in New Jersey. Fighting these charges can become complicated when someone cannot prove that they purchased the reportedly stolen items.
Theft and fencing are two serious crimes in New Jersey that come with severe penalties. During tough economic times, it is common to see an increase in these kinds of crimes. Anyone charged with theft or fencing would be well-advised to seek legal guidance to determine their legal rights and options.
The Princeton criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein handle all types of robbery, theft, and fencing cases in New Jersey. We make sure that our client’s rights are protected at all times. To discuss your options and to begin building your defense, call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case assessment.
