Two Men Charged with Shoplifting Scam

Robert Mele, 50, of Hackensack, and Pietro Scicchitano, 50, of Lodi, were charged with shoplifting in North Plainfield and in Green Brook after CVS store employees said they had taken items from the Green Brook store to return for a refund at the CVS store in North Plainfield.

According to police, store managers said they believed Mele had taken a OralB Clean Brush refill, priced at $49.79, and a Sleep Right Dental Guard, priced at $49.99, from the Green Brook store. Police reported being unable to observe the theft on security cameras, but an inventory check performed later found two of each of the items missing.

The report also said the North Plainfield CVS manager had reported the return of items without a receipt, and believing the items may have been taken from the Green Brook store, contacted North Plainfield police, who took Mele and Scicchitano into custody after stopping the vehicle they were driving on Route 22.

Mele was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for contempt of court issued by the Borough of Paramus, with a $304 bail. He complained of ahving difficulty breathing while in police custody and was taken to Somerset Medical Center for treatment.