On Tuesday August 25, Detective Lieutenant Timothy Banta and Detective Joel Martin arrested Maria Circelli, 45, of Newark in connection with three daytime residential burglaries that occurred in Verona this past week. Circelli was charged with three counts of burglary, three counts of theft and possession of narcotics offenses.
The preliminary investigation alleges Circelli entered two homes via unlocked doors and one through an unlocked first floor window. Circelli’s alleged modus operandi was to walk neighborhoods to identify residences that had no vehicles in the driveway and then knock on the doors. If no one answered, she would look for an unlocked access point and once inside she targeted jewelry and interactive internet speakers.
“This arrest brings closure to a few anxious days in Verona, as the burglaries occurred consecutively last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The case was resolved due to the persistent work of D/Lt Banta, Detectives Martin and TJ Conroy as well as Officer Edward Ruff. Their relentless diligence to the people of Verona is commendable”, said Chief Christopher Kiernan. “They are still working very hard at trying to retrieve some of the stolen property. Having your home burglarized is one of the most invasive property crimes, and we are empathetic towards the victims’ pain.”
“This entire investigation also highlights the excellent partnership we have with our residents who called with useful observations and provided invaluable doorbell camera footage. The suspect’s strategy is not unique, we see it often”, stated Chief Kiernan, “please continue to call in suspicious activity and remain vigilant in securing your homes in an effort to harden your target.”
After processing Circelli was lodged in Essex County Correctional Facility, awaiting arraignment.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Glad they found out who did this. Hope she gets some help. She is a VHS grad I see? So sad.
I filed a police report with Belleville after she stole from my family members LAST month and they still haven’t even assigned a detective to the case. I knew her and thought she changed and invited her to my fiancé’s family’s home for a bbq. She stole jewelry that not only had sentimental value but I one piece was from a family member that recently passed away. Glad that Verona is on top of their stuff but shame on you Belleville.