Dexter Banks
The Nutley Police Department has arrested a man they say is responsible for an Aug. 4 burglary on Romano St., Detective Sgt. Anthony Montanari announced.
Dexter Banks, 24, of Belleville, was taken into custody after police said they recovered enough evidence to connect him to the burglary. He was charged with burglary, theft and receiving stolen property, the NPD said. In addition, he was also wanted by the Belleville Police Department on more than $1,200 in outstanding warrants, Montanari said.
On Aug. 4, police said they were called to Romano St. when a resident discovered the home had been burgled. Detectives said they developed trace evidence leading them to conclude the suspect entered through an unlocked window after using a trash can to elevate himself.
Once inside, police said they believe Banks took items from within the home including the master bedroom, some of which were already recovered at an area pawn broker totaling over several thousand dollars.
Bail was set at $15,000 for the Nutley charges.
“A burglary in which someone enters your home and goes through your belongings is not only illegal, it is extremely violating to the victims,” Mayor and Police Director Alphonse Petracco said. “The fact that our police thoroughly investigated this and apprehended the suspect should not only put the victims at ease, but also ensure the residents of this town that crime in our community will not be tolerated.”
“Although burglaries have slowed down, perpetrators still look for opportunities and [I] encourage homeowners to take precautionary measures to safeguard their valuables,” Police Chief Thomas Strumolo said. “We ask that the public remain ever vigilant and to contact us should they see anything suspicious.”
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Kevin A. Canessa Jr. is the editor of and broadcaster at The Observer, an organization he has served since 2006. He is responsible for the editorial content of the newspaper and website, the production of the e-Newspaper, writing several stories per week (including the weekly editorial), conducting live broadcasts on social media channels such as YouTube, Facebook, and X, including a weekly recap of the news — and much more behind the scenes. Between 2006 and 2008, he introduced the newspaper to its first-ever blog — which included podcasts, audio and video. Originally from Jersey City, Kevin lived in Kearny until 2004, lived in Port St. Lucie. Florida, for four years until February 2016 and in March of that year, he moved back to Kearny to return to The Observer full time. Click Here to send Kevin an email.