Three men who allegedly stole more than 400 game-worn NBA jerseys worth $850,000 have been arrested, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office announced on Oct. 27, 2016.
SOMERVILLE - Three men who allegedly stole more than 400 game-worn NBA jerseys worth at least $850,000 have been arrested, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office announced Thursday afternoon.
The theft took place on Dec. 29 at the MeiGray Group located at 185 Industrial Parkway in Branchburg. Over 400 game-worn NBA jerseys - along with NHL merchandise - was stolen from the company, which holds an exclusive contract with the NBA to sell the jerseys.
Mohamed Benhalima, 28, and John P. Schnell, 37, both of Brooklyn, and Ryan G. McDermond, 28, of Cherry Hill, were arrested following a lengthy investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Branchburg detectives and the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Burglary Task Force, Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson said.
MeiGray lost game-worn NBA jerseys belonging to the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Lakers, Robertson said. The jerseys had been worn by notable NBA players Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Kevin Garnett, Rudy Gay and Andre Iguodala.
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All three were charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree theft and second-degree conspiracy to commit theft on Sept. 23. The complaints were sealed until after the trio were arrested.
McDermond was arrested in Philadelphia on Oct. 18 and turned over to Philadelphia police pending extradition to New Jersey. Mohamed was arrested at his residence in Brooklyn and Schnell in Midtown Manhattan on Oct. 21. Both were turned over to New York City Police pending extradition to New Jersey.
Robertson and Acting Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor said following the theft, Branchburg Police Det. Edward Edgar received a tip that stolen NBA Jerseys were being offered for sale over several internet sites.
Edgar was able to get several of the stolen jerseys back and got the seller's IP address and cell number. Over several months, detectives served numerous subpoenas and court orders on cellular telephone companies, internet providers and sites, shipping companies and financial institutions, which ultimately led to the identification of the three defendants, Robertson said.
Robertson and Branchburg Township Chief of Police David Young said the investigation, which received significant support from state agencies and the FBI, is continuing.
Bail has not been set in New Jersey as all three are still being held in Pennsylvania and New York City. The charges are currently pending presentation to a Somerset County grand jury.
Craig Turpin may be reached at cturpin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @NJeditor. Find NJ.com on Facebook.