Two accused in Middletown appliance shoplifting sprees

Two alleged shoplifters, apparently with good taste in kitchenware, face a raft of charges, accused of trying to walk off with thousands of dollars' worth of items from the Middletown Sears.

Reports filed by Middletown police charge Jay Hutler, 44, of Netcong, with taking Kitchen-Aid appliances out of the store without paying on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, January 9, 10, and 11.

Police said that he filled carts with items totaling $2,559.84 this past Monday...one day after allegedly taking $549.99 appliance, and two days after allegedly leaving with items worth $744.98.

Officers confronting Hutler Monday reported finding an oxycodone pill in his pocket and three folding knives in his car.

On Monday, Jose Beniquez Jr., 40, of South Amboy, allegedly left the store with Kitchen-Aid appliances worth $1,699.87, then attempted to run from police during their encounter in the parking lot. Beniquez is also accused of having three foldable knives in his car.

According to the report, Hutler's bail was set at $30,000 for the shoplifting charges, and $50,000 for the remaining allegations. Bail for Beniquez was set at $40,000. Both have January 25 court dates.