On July 19, 2023, the arrests of Steven Rugeles, Santiago Camargo-Rojas, and Nicholas Buitrago-Grillo occurred on charges of conspiracy to commit burglary, money laundering, receiving stolen property, possession of false government documents and possession of burglar tools. The result of this arrest was made by a joint investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Jason Love and several other Bergen County police departments.
From March 2023 through July 23, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigation Squad investigated a series of residential burglaries that took place mainly in Bergen County. These so called “Deliverymen” targeted homes in affluent areas. Most of these burglaries occurred during the early evening hours, when the homeowners appeared not to be present. They posed to be deliverymen to reassure the residence was not occupied. After these individuals confirmed the homeowners were not present, they used their burglar tools to enter the residence and confiscate all the high-end designer items as well as jewelry and cash.
On July 18, 2023, during the investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigation Squad, detectives executed search warrants at 1208 Fairmount Avenue and 738 Seaport Drive in Elizabeth, New Jersey. These locations were known as the residences of Rugeles, Camargo-Rojas and Buitrago-Grillo. The search revealed tools commonly used by burglars to gain access to residences. An abundance of jewelry, luxury watches, and currency were also found during this search. False government documents including passports and driver’s licenses appeared to be in the residence as well.
Rugeles was charged with third-degree receiving stolen property, third-degree conspiracy to commit burglary, and fourth-degree possession of fraudulent government documents. Camargo-Rojas was charged with third-degree receiving stolen property, third-degree money laundering, fourth-degree possession of fraudulent government documents and fourth-degree disorderly person offense of possession of burglar tools. Lastly, Buitrago-Grillo was charged with third-degree receiving stolen property, third-degree money laundering, fourth-degree possession of fraudulent government documents and fourth-degree disorderly person offense of possession of burglar tools.
In October of 2023, the Honorable Christopher R. Kazlau, J.S.C., sentenced Steven Rugeles, Santiago Camargo-Rojas, and Nicholas Buitrago-Grillo and were sent to New Jersey State Prison for their crimes.
The State was represented by Assistant Prosecutor Justin Blasi.
Steven Rugeles was represented by attorney Prabhkara Bedi.
Santiago Camargo-Rojas was represented by attorney Ron Bar-Nadav.
Nicholas Buitrago-Grillo was represented by attorney Jonathan Mincis.
