Story by Ethan
On April 18th, 2024, the arrest of Ana Rios, age 40, and Ezequiel Rios, age 43, was announced by 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. Ana Rios was charged with third-degree Theft, and third-degree Conspiracy to Commit Theft. Ezequiel Rios was charged with third-degree Receiving Stolen Property, and third-degree Conspiracy to Commit Theft.
According to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Burglary Unit was investigating jewelry that was being sold for cash in Somerset County. It was revealed that two of the jewelry items that were sold, were stolen from a local senior living residence in Bridgewater Township in August 2023, and again February 2024. In addition, detectives were able to identify several other individuals in the senior living home who have had jewelry stolen from them. Ultimately, Ana Rios was identified as a suspect for stealing the jewelry, while she was employed as a housekeeper at the senior living facility. Allegedly, Ana Rios would then give the jewelry to her husband, Ezequiel Rios, who would sell it for cash. It’s estimated that the jewelry stolen and sold held a street value of $45,000.
The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the charges against Ana Rios and Ezequiel Rios are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
