For Immediate Release:

June 17, 2026

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrests of 39-year-old MARIA MONTOYA of Lodi, NJ, and two 17-year-old males, on charges stemming from an armed robbery investigation. The arrests are the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Chief Jeff Angermeyer, and the Lodi Police Department, under the direction of Chief Donald Scorzetti.

On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at approximately 11:41 p.m., the Lodi Police Department responded to an armed robbery that had just occurred in the area of Church Street and Boyd Street. During the investigation, it was determined that the victim was in the area to conduct the sale of a gaming computer that was facilitated through social media. As the victim was sitting in their vehicle, two suspects approached and began conversing with the victim. A short time later, one suspect opened the rear driver-side door of the vehicle and removed the computer. The victim then exited the vehicle, at which point the other suspect brandished a firearm, pointing it at the victim. The suspects then fled the scene on foot with the computer and police were contacted.

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Squad was notified, responded to the scene, and initiated a joint investigation with the Lodi Police Department. During the investigation, detectives identified the two suspects, both of whom are juveniles, as the individuals who committed the armed robbery.

Accordingly, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, one of the juveniles was located and taken into protective custody. He was charged with juvenile delinquency, specifically: first-degree armed robbery, N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(1); second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(1); second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a(1); and third-degree burglary, N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2a(1). The juvenile was transferred to the Bergen County Juvenile Detention Center before ultimately being released to the custody of a parent.

On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the second juvenile was located and taken into protective custody by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Lodi Police Department. During a court-authorized search of the juvenile’s residence, detectives located a handgun and two large-capacity ammunition magazines. He was charged with juvenile delinquency, specifically: first-degree armed robbery, N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(1); second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(1); second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a(1); third-degree burglary, N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2a(1); fourth-degree aggravated assault by pointing a firearm, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(4); fourth-degree unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor, N.J.S.A. 2C:58-6.1b; and two counts of fourth-degree possession of a large capacity ammunition magazine, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3j. The juvenile was transferred to the Bergen County Juvenile Detention Center and remains in protective custody pending further court action.

The investigation also revealed that MARIA MONTOYA hindered the apprehension of the suspects by providing transportation, and other means of avoiding apprehension, to one of the suspects. MONTOYA was arrested on Monday, June 15, 2026, and charged with fourth-degree hindering the apprehension of another, N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3a(2). MONTOYA was released pending a future court appearance.

Prosecutor Musella states that the charges are merely accusations, and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. He would like to thank the Lodi Police Department for its assistance and partnership throughout this case.