Fourth man charged in connection to May 2003 theft.
By: Josh Appelbaum
CRANBURY A fourth suspect has been charged in connection with the May 2003 theft of more $100,000 worth of goods from a temporary Home Depot distribution center on a Santa Fe Way lot in Prologis Park.
Michael J. McLauglin III, 43, of Bethel, Conn., surrendered to Cranbury police Sgt. Peter Ziegler and was turned over to State Police Detective Sandor Lengyel of the Cargo Theft Unit Dec. 13.
He was charged with the theft of moveable contents and conspiracy in the theft of a trailer containing John Deere tractors and barbecues valued at approximately $15,000.
Cranbury Police Chief Jay Hansen said Mr. McLaughlin stole the trailer from the Santa Fe Way lot in Prologis Park between February and May of 2003. Sgt. Ziegler said investigators recovered the stolen trailer in June 2003 in Maybrook, N.Y., without the John Deere tractors or barbecues.
Mr. McLaughlin has been released and is awaiting trial. The charges carry a prison sentence of three to five years depending on the person’s criminal history.
Three others face related charges. Anthony Weal, 37, of Trenton and Laurence Moore, 42, of Newark, Del., were charged with two counts of third-degree conspiracy and theft by unlawful taking and Robert Smith, 30, of Cranbury was indicted on one count of third-degree conspiracy and one count of theft by unlawful taking in February.
Home Depot hired USCO Logistics, based in California, to administer the distribution center and its employees.

