7-24-2024 9:04pm

Two New York Men Arrested in Connection to Motor Vehicle Burglaries

Donnella Tilery Editor

SOMERVILLE, N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., Bernards Township Chief of Police Jon Burger and Hillsborough Township Chief of Police Michael McMahon announced the arrests of Jose Cabanzo-Pena, 28, of Queens, NY, and Luis Eduardo Pena-Garzon, 32, of Queens, NY.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that on June 24, 2024, at approximately 8:30 a.m., detectives and patrol officers became aware that a vehicle associated with Cabanzo-Pena and Pena-Garzon had entered Bernards Township and was at Mountain Park, Bernards Township, NJ. The investigation has revealed that both men have been targeting parks throughout Somerset County and New Jersey for motor vehicle burglaries.

Bernards Township detectives and patrol officers along with detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Burglary Task Force, and Hillsborough Township Police Department initiated surveillance at the park. Both suspects were observed walking in the park and subsequently departing in the suspect vehicle, a 2011 GMC Acadia.

Prosecutor McDonald stated as a result of the on-going investigation the suspect vehicle was stopped by officers and both men were detained by authorities. A Somerset County Superior Court ordered search warrant was obtained for the vehicle. The search resulted in the discovery of proceeds from a motor vehicle burglary that occurred at Mountain Park on June 24th. In addition, other evidence was found connecting Cabanzo-Pena to additional motor vehicle burglaries and thefts at Mountain Park on May 10th and May 20th.Prosecutor McDonald stated defendant Cabanzo-Pena was arrested and charged with 3rd degree, Burglary to a motor vehicle, 3rd degree, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card (3 counts), 3rd degree, Theft by Deception, 4th degree, Credit Card theft (3 counts), and Theft, disorderly persons offense. Defendant Pena-Garzon was charged with 3rd degree, Burglary to a motor vehicle, 4th degree, Credit Card theft and Theft, disorderly persons offense. Both defendants were charged on complaint warrants and lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.Prosecutor McDonald stated that on July 17, 2024, defendant Pena-Garzon was also charged by the Hillsborough Police Department with Theft by Deception, disorderly persons offense (3 counts) for thefts that occurred at the Sourland Mountain Preserve in Hillsborough on May 8, 2024, and June 10, 2024. On July 17, 2024, defendant Cabanzo-Pena was charged by Hillsborough Police Department with Theft by Deception, disorderly persons offense (2 counts) for thefts that occurred on October 19, 2023, and November 8, 2023, from the Sourland Mountain preserve. Both defendants were charged on summons and provided with a court date to appear on the charges. Prosecutor McDonald commended the investigation and arrest of these two defendants by the Bernards Township Police Department, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Burglary Task Force, and Hillsborough Township Police Department. This is an excellent example of collaboration, coordination, and persistence shown by Bernards Township officers daily to keep the township safe.

Also, investments in public safety technology authorized by Bernards Township Mayor Jennifer Asay and the Township Committee contributed to the ability of the police department to apprehend these criminals targeting the township.

Prosecutor McDonald, Chief Roman, Chief Burger, and Chief McMahon request anyone with information relating to this investigation to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Burglary Task Force at (908) 231-7100 the Bernards Township Police Department at (908) 766-1122 or the Hillsborough Township Police Department at (908) 369-4323 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.