Hopewell Township police reported arrests in two alleged cases of credit card fraud.
Detective Michael Sherman arrested Richard J. Payne, 19, of Hunt Drive in Princeton on Oct. 13 at 1:22 p.m. and charged him with burglary, theft and credit card fraud.
The investigation began in July when a victim reported that someone had entered a vehicle sometime overnight while it was parked in the Presidential Hill Development and removed a credit card from the vehicle. Numerous transactions were made on the card and Detective Sherman identified Mr. Payne as the suspect, police said. Mr. Payne was taken into custody, charged and released.
The Frenchtown Police Department in Hunterdon County assisted in the investigation.
Detective Frank Tulko arrested Leanna N. Rice, 36, of Hoffman Avenue, Trenton, and charged her with credit card fraud on Oct. 21 at 3:45 p.m. The investigation began after a victim reported that someone had made unauthorized charges on his credit card on various occasions.
Detective Tulko was able to identify Ms. Rice, who had worked as a home health care for the victim in the past. She was placed under arrest, processed and released.
Both cases will be forwarded to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
* * *
On At 4 a.m. Monday, Nov. 1, Officer Robert Voorhees stopped a 2010 Nissan on Route 31 near Search Avenue for an alleged non-working brake light.
While speaking with the driver, who was identified as Vincent A. Annunziata, 18, of Neshanic Station, Officer Voorhees said he smelled alcohol on Mr. Annunziata’s breath.
After roadside sobriety testing he was placed under arrest for DWI, reckless driving, DWI while underage, and failing to maintain lamps. He was transported to police headquarters, where he was processed and released to a friend. His case will be heard in municipal court.
* * *
On Oct. 30 at 9:10 a.m. Officer George Peterson stopped a 2006 Chrysler on Route 31 near Ingleside Avenue for an alleged improper license plate. In the interview and investigation, the driver, who was identified as Amber M. Bennett, 31, of Mechanics Avenue, Trenton, was found to have a warrant for her arrest from Lawrence Township. She was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters, where she was processed and released after posting bail. Her case will be heard in municipal court.
* * *
On Oct. 27 at 8:30 p.m. Officer Robert Voorhees arrested Brian Checkett, 37, of Heritage Court, Pennington, for allegedly shoplifting a bottle of vodka from a store on Route 31 at the Pennington Circle.
During his investigation the officer said he learned Mr. Checkett left a nearby restaurant without paying a $17 tab. He was placed under arrest for theft of service and transported to police headquarters. He was processed and released. His case will be heard in municipal court.
* * *
On Oct. 24 at 12:45 a.m. Officer Nicholas Sparaco, on patrol on Route 546 near Scotch Road, stopped to check on the well-being of a 15-year-old boy from Titusville and found him to be in possession of marijuana, police said. He was arrested and transported to headquarters, where he was processed and released to his parents. His case will be heard in Family Court.
* * *
On Oct. 26 at 01:28 a.m. Officer John Ferner stopped a 2011 BMW for allegedly speeding 63 mph in a 45 mph zone on Route 29 near Valley Road. While speaking with the 17-year-old female driver, she falsely identified herself as another person, police said. She and a 16-year-old girl passenger were also found in possession of several oxycodone pills without a prescription, police said.
The teens, both from Trenton, were placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters, where they were processed and released to family members. Their cases will be heard in family court.
* * *
On Oct. 21, at 11:46 a.m. Officer John Ferner stopped a 1990 Ford on Carter Road for allegedly speeding 61 mph in a 45 mph zone. While speaking with the driver, who was identified as Raymond D. Rossi, 48, of William Street, Hamilton, a warrant for his arrest out of Lawrence Township was located. He was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters, where he was processed and released after posting bail. His case will be heard in municipal court.
* * *
On Oct. 20 at 10:20 p.m. Officer George Peterson stopped a 2002 Toyota for a motor vehicle violation (failure to dim high beams). While speaking with the driver, who was identified as Ian M. Hines, 23, of West Roxbury, Massachusetts, Officer Peterson said he smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search produced a small amount of marijuana and drug pipe. He was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and released. His case will be heard in municipal court.