ARREST MADE IN ALLEGED TICKET SCAM

Dover, NJ man charged with tampering with Ticket Vending Machine and selling tickets

NEWARK, NJ —  New Jersey Transit Police have arrested a Dover, NJ man accused of tampering with a ticket vending machine and selling NJ TRANSIT rail tickets and passes.  Following reports of a disabled ticket vending machine and someone selling tickets at the Dover train station, the New Jersey Transit Police Department launched an investigation.

On July 14, 2016 at approximately 4:30 p.m., 53-year-old David Mendes of Dover, NJ allegedly sold a ticket to a New Jersey Transit Police anti-crime officer at the Dover train station.  Upon arrest, Mendes was discovered with 29 NJ TRANSIT tickets, including three monthly passes and one weekly pass, worth more than $1,200.

“What the actor thought was a way to make a quick buck was quickly foiled by solid police work,” said New Jersey Transit Police Chief Christopher Trucillo.  “We encourage everyone within the NJ TRANSIT system that if they “See Something, Say Something.”  Let this serve as a reminder to the criminal element that the New Jersey Transit Police Department will relentlessly pursue all leads, no matter how big or small.”

Mendes has been charged with distribution of tickets, receiving stolen property, theft by deception, criminal mischief and smoking in public.

NJ TRANSIT encourages customers to remain aware of their surroundings and to be the eyes and ears for law enforcement – If you see something, say something. To report a crime, suspicious activity or unattended packages contact the New Jersey Transit Police Department at 1-888-TIPS-NJT or send a text message to NJTPD (65873).

The charges and allegations contained in this release are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

About NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 938,500 weekday trips on 257 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.