Hillsborough, N.J. - Members of the New Jersey State Police Cargo Theft Unit arrested two men and foiled a merchandise theft operation. The detectives recovered over $450,000 in goods stolen from a major department store distribution center in Secaucus. The stolen goods included designer clothing, high end perfume, and bedding

In October, 2010, State Police detective Freddy Araujo led an investigation into a pattern of ongoing theft noticed by the retailer. The investigation led to two suspects, Vincente Ponsoda, 56, of Belle Mead, N.J. and Konstantinos Hantsoulis, 38, of Highland Park, N.J.

Hantsoulis, a merchandise representative at the department store distribution center, handled misdirected freight, most commonly defined as items that were accidentally sent to the department store. Instead of sending the misdirected items back to the rightful owners, Hantsoulis arranged for the items to be picked up by Ponsoda in a rental truck. Ponsoda would then sell the merchandise at flea markets.

On March 27, 2012, search warrants were executed at several units in a self-storage facility in Hillsborough rented by Ponsoda. Inside, detectives located a large amount of stolen merchandise from several major retailers. The recovered merchandise was valued at over $450,000.

Konstantinos Hantsoulis was charged with 2nd degree theft. He was released pending a court appearance in Secaucus. Vincente Ponsoda was charged with 2nd degree theft and 2nd degree receiving stolen property. He was released pending court appearances in Secaucus and Hillsborough.

Vincente Ponsoda	Konstantinos Hantsoulis

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