Crime & Safety
Washington Elementary Custodian Charged With Theft of School Camcorder
Denis Vega allegedly stole $1,200 camcorder from locked cabinet.
On May 26, Wyckoff Police said school officials at Washington Elementary reported the theft of a $1,200 camcorder from a locked cabinet. School officials, police said, then set up a video surveillance, and the next day Denis S. Vega, 46, of Paterson, employed at the school as a custodian, was witnessed opening the cabinet and removing a $200 camera.
Officer Peter Goodman investigated the initial report. Vega is assigned to the schools as a custodian hired by a firm providing custodial services for the school district. Detective Sgt. Joseph Soto and Detective Michael Musto confronted Vega later in the day and brought him to headquarters for questioning, police said. Vega was subsequently charged with two counts of theft, and is now under investigation for another theft at Eisenhower School.
Police said the investigation determined Vega had sold both cameras in Paterson for $50 each. Vega was released in his own recognizance and the complaints have been referred to Bergen County Superior Court.
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Before her retirement at the end of last year, the previous school Superintendent Dr. Janet Razze drew the ire of some parents, teachers and the Wyckoff Education Association for among other things which was done as a cost-saving effort.
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