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the staff of the Ridgewood blog
MAHWAH, NJ — Quick thinking by a Mahwah police officer led to the arrest of three Bronx men and a juvenile caught with stolen tax return checks, counterfeit money, and other suspicious items, authorities said.
On Sunday, just before 5 p.m., Officer Christopher Minchin noticed several individuals loitering near an ATM outside a closed business on Franklin Turnpike. Their unusual behavior raised suspicions.
When the suspects spotted the officer, they quickly jumped into a car and drove off. Minchin conducted a traffic stop and discovered three adults and one juvenile inside the vehicle.
Conflicting Stories Lead to a Search
According to police, the group provided conflicting explanations about why they were in the area. Officers obtained consent to search the vehicle, which uncovered a trove of evidence suggesting fraudulent activity, including:
✅ $12,200 in cash
✅ $4,900 in counterfeit $100 bills
✅ 17 debit and credit cards belonging to other people
✅ 18 stolen U.S. Treasury tax return checks
✅ 18 money orders
✅ Codeine and THC
Police also seized Apple electronics, a Cartier watch, and a Goyard bag, though it was unclear if those items were linked to criminal activity.
Suspects Arrested & Charges Filed
The suspects, all from the Bronx, were identified as:
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Enyinnaya Ebere, 20
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Devine Fernandez, 19
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Anthony Linen, 18
They now face multiple charges, including:
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Trafficking the IDs of another person
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Theft of credit cards
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Receiving stolen property
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Possession of counterfeit currency
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Possession of controlled dangerous substances
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Employing a juvenile in the commission of a crime
The juvenile was released to a guardian but will face a juvenile delinquency complaint.
The three adults were transported to the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack and await a Superior Court hearing.
What Happens Next?
Police confirmed that the currency and property seized will be turned over to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office for a civil forfeiture hearing. If forfeited, the funds will be used by the Mahwah Police Department to purchase equipment—at no cost to residents.
This case underscores how routine police patrols and quick action can uncover significant criminal activity, even in seemingly quiet suburban areas.
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