4-22-2024 1:32pm

Husband and Wife Arrested for Theft in Bridgewater Township

Donnella Tilery Editor

Ana Rios

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., and Bridgewater Township Chief of Police John B. Mitzak announced the arrest of Ana Rios, age 40, of Orchard Street, Piscataway, New Jersey and her husband, Ezequiel Rios, 43, of Orchard Street, Piscataway, New Jersey in relation to thefts that occurred at a senior living facility in Bridgewater Township. Prosecutor McDonald stated that in January 2024, detectives assigned to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Burglary Unit began to investigate items of jewelry that were being sold in Somerset County for cash. As part of this investigation, it was determined with the assistance of officers from the Bridgewater Township Police Department, that two items of jewelry that were sold for cash had been reported stolen by residents of a local senior living facility located in Bridgewater Township, in August of 2023 and in February 2024.

Detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Burglary Unit were able to identify additional victims residing at the same senior living facility who also had items of jewelry stolen, many of which were not reported to the police.

As a result of the investigation, it was determined that between May 2023 and February 2024, Ana Rios stole items of jewelry that belonged to residents of the senior living facility where she worked as a housekeeper. Rios would then turn the stolen items over to her husband, Ezequiel Rios, to sell in exchange for cash. It is estimated that jewelry stolen by defendant Ana Rios and then sold by Rios or her husband, defendant Ezequiel Rios, held a street value estimated at $45,000. Prosecutor McDonald stated on Monday, April 8, 2024, Ana Rios, and Ezequiel Rios were arrested without incident in Piscataway, New Jersey. Defendant Ana Rios was charged with 3rd degree Theft, and 3rd degree Conspiracy to Commit Theft.

Defendant Ezequiel Rios was charged with 3rd-degree of Receiving Stolen Property, and 3rd degree Conspiracy to Commit Theft. Both defendants were released pending a court hearing in this matter. Prosecutor McDonald, Chief Roman and Chief Mitzak request anyone with information relating to the thefts to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Burglary Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Bridgewater Township Police Department at (908) 722-4111 or via the STOPit app.

The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. NOTE: The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.