On Monday, June 30th, Detective Sergeant Dominick Frino and Detective Matthew Disano arrested Tina Nettles (pictured above), age 46, of Elizabeth on a Theft by Deception warrant issued by Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD). The arrest was made following an investigation led by Detective Edward Nortrup regarding a theft that took place on May 25th. During the arrest, Nettles reportedly identified herself to police as “Diane Foster” and was found trying to discard a hypodermic needle that was previously in her possession.
According to police, on May 25th, Ms. Nettles rang the doorbell of a 67-year-old male resident in the east side of town claiming to be a neighbor. She asked for help, explaining that she locked herself out of her house, and requested to use his phone to call her realtor to get another key made. Following the phone call, she requested a ride to Elizabeth to pick up the key and explained that she needed to borrow money for a deposit for the key. Ms. Nettles conned the gentleman out of $500 cash and had taken $200 from the residence that was discovered upon his return home.
Ms. Nettles was also found to be connected to two (2) other similar Theft by Deception cases reported in town over the past several weeks. She was also charged with theft of $150 cash involving a 75-year-old resident who was also victimized in the same manner.
Tina Nettles was charged with Theft by Deception, Hindering her Apprehension, Tampering with Evidence, and Possession of a Hypodermic Needle. She is currently lodged in the Union County Jail on $26,500 bail.