Two brothers were arrested on Tuesday for their alleged role in a $200,000 party equipment theft that occurred in Prospect Park, according to Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik.
Marco Torres, 38, of Paterson, and Salvador Torres, age unknown, of Bloomfield, have been charged with receiving stolen property, according to authorities.
Berdnik said authorities recovered $60,000 in stolen party equipment from a five-car garage at 786 East 24th Street and a two-car garage at 342 Wabash Avenue in Paterson.
Detectives recovered 25 tables of various sizes, 183 white folding chairs, 10 commercial grade tents, 2 tent jacks, 1 commercial grill, 1 heater, lighting equipment, and extension cords, authorities said.
The items were reported stolen by Prestige Party Rental in Prospect Park resulting in a two-week investigation by authorities.
Berdnik said Marco Torres was arrested at 9:15 a.m. and Salvador Torres surrendered to detectives at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
Both have been charged and released pending court appearance.
Passaic County detectives Tiffany Baram and Robert Torres continue to investigate to locate the rest of the stolen equipment.
Authorities said additional charges are possible.
“Citizens need to know, that if property is stolen, law enforcement will thoroughly investigate and if the evidence dictates, make arrests,” Berdnik said. “Thousands of dollars in stolen property is a significant crime, and those responsible will now be held responsible for their actions.”
Berdnik praised Prospect Park Police Department and Chief Charbel Atie for working with the Sheriff’s Office to locate the stolen items.