The Colts Neck Security Guard Theft case began with a simple lost debit card, but it ended with a sting operation to catch a suspect accused of stealing from a federal agent.
In a twist of irony, a security guard hired to protect patrons at a popular New Jersey bar was arrested for allegedly victimizing one of them. To make matters worse for the accused, the victim wasn’t just any regular customer. He was a local police officer on loan to the FBI.
This investigation reveals how quickly digital footprints at a Wawa can lead police straight to a suspect’s door.
Table of Contents
Watch: Colts Neck Security Guard Theft Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:10:00 where officers begin securing the suspect’s personal items, marking the transition from questioning to custody.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The story began on November 30, 2023, at Tommy’s Tavern and Tap in Freehold Township, New Jersey. Erik Nolte, a resident of Colts Neck and an officer with the Marlboro Township Police Department assigned to the FBI, was attending a Christmas party.
The Lost Card
Nolte left the restaurant around 9:45 PM. At some point during the festive evening, he believes his Visa debit card fell out of his pocket. He didn’t realize it was missing until his bank, Affinity Federal Credit Union, contacted him the next morning about suspicious activity.
The Wawa Spree
The thief didn’t waste time. Just hours later, at 2:33 AM on December 1, surveillance cameras at a Wawa in Avenel, NJ, captured a suspect entering the store.
The footage showed a heavy-set woman wearing a bright yellow shirt with the word “SECURITY” emblazoned on the back. She purchased two packs of Newport Menthol 100 cigarettes and a Wawa pretzel using Nolte’s card. The total cost of the crime? Just $24.98.
Connecting the Dots
Detective Joseph Zoppi of the Colts Neck Police Department took the lead. He obtained the Wawa footage and noticed the suspect’s distinct “SECURITY” uniform.
Investigators went to Tommy’s Tavern and checked the employee sign-in sheet for the night the card was lost. Only two security guards were working that night. When managers saw the Wawa surveillance photos, they immediately identified the woman in the yellow shirt as Angel Simmons.
Her real name was later confirmed as Crystal S. Simmons.
The Sting Operation
Police needed to locate Simmons. They contacted the security company’s owner and arranged for her to be scheduled for her normal shift on Thursday, December 14.
Detectives staked out the parking lot, waiting for her arrival. At 9:13 PM, Simmons pulled in, unaware she was driving into a trap.
Detectives approached her vehicle immediately. “I approached the vehicle and stated the name Angel,” Detective Zoppi wrote in his report. Simmons was wearing the same bag seen in the surveillance video.
Officers asked if she had anything in her pockets. “Just the wrapper if you want it,” she replied casually, referring to a wrapper in her pocket.
Police allowed her to make a phone call to her wife before taking her into custody. During questioning, she admitted to finding the card outside the restaurant and using it to buy cigarettes.
The Arrest: Charges Against Crystal Simmons
Simmons was processed at Colts Neck Police Headquarters. Below is a breakdown of the specific charges filed against her.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| Credit Card Theft (2C:21-6C) | Taking a credit card without consent. | Up to 18 months in prison (4th Degree). |
| Credit Card Fraud (2C:21-6H) | Using a stolen card to buy goods. | Up to 3-5 years depending on amount/degree. |
| Active Warrant | An unpaid ticket from Newark ($200). | Fines or temporary holding. |
Legal Analysis: Was the Colts Neck Security Guard Theft Arrest Justified?
1. The “Plain View” Identification The identification of the suspect was rock solid. Police used video evidence from a third party (Wawa) and cross-referenced it with employment records. Because the suspect wore her work uniform while committing the alleged crime, identifying her became significantly easier for investigators.
2. The Sting Operation Was it legal for police to ask her boss to schedule her just to arrest her? Yes. Police are generally permitted to use “ruses” or coordinate with employers to locate a suspect safely. This avoids a potentially dangerous confrontation at a suspect’s home.
3. Miranda Rights Waiver According to the police report, Simmons was read her Miranda rights and signed a waiver before speaking. She admitted to finding the card and tossing it after using it. This confession is admissible in court because she knowingly waived her right to remain silent.
4. Police Protocol Check During the arrest, the bodycam transcript shows officers asking, “You have anything else in your pockets or anything like that?”. This is a standard “search incident to arrest” to ensure officer safety. The officers remained professional, even allowing her to keep a wrapper she didn’t want to throw away.
[Read more Evidence Decode investigations here]
5 FAQs connected to the charges in this case, based on the details provided in the police report:
Is “Finders Keepers” a legal defense for lost credit cards?
No. In this case, the suspect admitted to “locating a card outside of the restaurant” and utilizing it. Legally, finding a lost credit card and keeping it or using it—rather than turning it in—is considered Credit Card Theft (2C:21-6C). You do not have to physically remove the card from someone’s pocket to be charged with theft.
Does the amount of money spent change the fact that it is a crime?
Not necessarily for the fraud charge itself. The suspect was charged with Credit Card Fraud (2C:21-6H) despite the total purchase amount being only $24.98. While the dollar amount might affect sentencing severity or specific theft grading, the act of using a stolen card for any amount—even just for cigarettes and a pretzel—constitutes fraud.
Can police collaborate with my employer to facilitate an arrest?
Yes. In this investigation, the detective contacted the suspect’s employer (Mr. Bennet) specifically to “schedule the accused to work” so they could speak with her. The employer agreed to schedule her for a shift on December 14th to assist the police in locating her safely.
How does distinctive clothing affect a criminal investigation?
Unique clothing makes identification significantly easier. The suspect was identified quickly because she wore her work uniform—a bright yellow shirt with “SECURITY” written on the back—while committing the alleged fraud at Wawa. This distinct detail allowed detectives to link the person in the surveillance video directly to the security staff at the bar.
What is the difference between Credit Card Theft and Credit Card Fraud?
They are distinct actions.
Credit Card Theft (2C:21-6C) refers to the act of taking or withholding the card itself without consent.
Credit Card Fraud (2C:21-6H) refers to the act of using that card to obtain goods or services. In this case, the suspect was charged with both because she allegedly took possession of the lost card and used it to make a purchase at Wawa.
Conclusion & Current Status
Crystal Simmons, also known as Angel, was charged and released on her own recognizance. She was given a court date of January 30, 2024, to face the charges in Superior Court.
She also had an outstanding warrant out of Newark for $200, which she was instructed to address separately.
The Colts Neck Security Guard Theft case serves as a reminder: modern surveillance makes it nearly impossible to use a stolen card anonymously—especially when you wear your work uniform to the crime scene.
Download Police Report click here.
Disclaimer: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This report is based on official police records.
Don’t Rely on Their Word Alone In this case, conflicting stories led to an arrest. The only way to prove your innocence in a traffic stop is with your own 4K evidence. Protect yourself this holiday season. 🎄 Click Here