Shoplifter Charged with Drug Possession, Cops Say

A man stealing candy and razors from a Franklin Ave. shop was found to have drugs and drug paraphernalia, Nutley cops said.

On Wednesday, Nutley police responded to a report of a shoplifting taking place at a Franklin Ave. store at 9:17 p.m. Employees said a Hispanic male with an orange backpack was placing merchandise in their bag.  

Upon arrival, officers found Rafael Almodavar, 38, Belleville, who police say fit the employee description of the shoplifter.  Police say that a search of Almodavar revealed possession a glassine envelope containing white powdery residue, three Gillette Razors, five King Size Reese's Candies and 26 Regular Size Reese's Candies.

The value of the stolen items totaled $75.07, police said.

Police said Almodavar also had a pill bottle with its label torn off containing eight Lorazepam, one Naloxone and two Acetaminophen/ Butalbital/ Caffeine Pills. Lorazepam is a prescription anti-anxiety medication and Naloxone is often prescribed as a treatment for heroin overdose and addiction. Both are both Schedule III Controlled Dangerous Substances. 

Almodavar was taken to Headquarters, where he was charged with Possession of CDS, shoplifting, and possession of paraphernalia. Bail was set at $10,000 with a 10 percent option. Mr. Almodovar did not attempt to post bail and was taken to the Essex County Correction facility.