The Hadeer Sharaf Shoplifting Arrest began as a standard retail theft call but quickly took a heartbreaking turn when Middletown police discovered a young child was allegedly used as a human hiding place for stolen goods.
Officers arriving at the scene in Middletown, NJ, were met with a mother who claimed she could simply pay for the items, unaware that the situation had already crossed a legal point of no return.
The arrest has gained significant attention due to the high value of the merchandise and the specific, “3rd-degree” felony charge involving the suspect’s own daughter.
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Watch: Hadeer Sharaf Shoplifting Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:06:32 where the officer explicitly informs the suspect that they have video evidence of her placing stolen items onto her daughter.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The incident took place on the afternoon of June 21, 2024, at a retail location within Middletown Township.
According to police transcripts, the suspect—identified as 31-year-old Hadeer Sharaf—was observed by loss prevention staff concealing multiple items in her purse and a personal bag.
The total value of the items recovered was a precise $387.96.
However, the most disturbing detail emerged when officers reviewed the store’s surveillance footage.
“I just want to make sure she put the jacket on the child,” one official noted during the investigation, describing how Sharaf allegedly ripped off tags and “clothed” her daughter in stolen proceeds to bypass security.
When confronted by Ptl. J. Chambers, Sharaf repeatedly asked to pay for the items.
“I can understand you can pay, but we’re past that,” the officer replied. “You can’t pay anymore”.
The scene became emotional as officers had to coordinate the care of the suspect’s daughter.
Because Sharaf had no local family or friends to take the child, police had to remove a car seat from Sharaf’s black Jeep Cherokee to transport the girl to headquarters in a separate patrol vehicle.
Before being placed in handcuffs, Sharaf revealed to officers that she suffered from a seizure disorder and was currently going through a difficult divorce.
Despite her pleas and medical concerns, officers proceeded with the arrest, ensuring she would be evaluated by medical staff at the station.
The Arrest: Charges Against Hadeer Sharaf
The following table breaks down the formal charges filed by the Middletown Police Department.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (NJ) |
| 2C:20-11B(2) | Shoplifting: Concealing retail merchandise valued between $200 and $499. | Up to 18 months in prison (4th Degree). |
| 2C:24-9A | Employing a Juvenile in the Commission of a Crime (3rd Degree). | 3 to 5 years in prison. |
Legal Analysis: Was the Hadeer Sharaf Shoplifting Arrest Justified?
From a legal perspective, the Hadeer Sharaf Shoplifting Arrest appears to follow standard New Jersey criminal procedure.
Fourth Amendment Check: The stop was initiated based on “probable cause” provided by retail loss prevention officers who witnessed the concealment of goods. Under NJ law, this constitutes a legal basis for detention and subsequent search.
Police Protocol: Officers Ptl. Chambers and colleagues followed strict protocols regarding the “Special Service” of the child involved. By arranging for a separate transport with a proper car seat, they adhered to safety regulations while maintaining the chain of custody for the arrestee.
[Read more Evidence Decode investigations here]
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that address the legal and procedural aspects connected to the charges in this case
What determines the “Degree” of a shoplifting charge in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, shoplifting charges are graded based on the full retail value of the items involved. A 4th-degree crime, as seen in this case, applies when the value of the stolen merchandise is at least $200 but does not exceed $500. If the value exceeds $500, it can be elevated to a 3rd-degree crime, which carries much harsher penalties.
What does “Employing a Juvenile” mean in a legal context?
While the word “employing” often refers to a job, in criminal law (Statute 2C:24-9), it means using a person under the age of 18 to assist in committing a crime. This includes cases where a parent uses a child to hide merchandise or bypass security. Because this involves the exploitation of a minor, it is classified as a more serious 3rd-degree crime regardless of the value of the items stolen.
What happens to a child if their only present guardian is arrested?
When an arrest occurs and no other guardian is present, police protocol requires officers to ensure the child’s safety. This typically involves:
Asking the parent for a trusted relative or friend who can pick the child up.
Transporting the child to the police station in a proper safety seat if no one is immediately available.
Contacting state child welfare services (such as DCP&P) if a suitable guardian cannot be located.
Can a suspect avoid arrest by offering to pay for the items on the spot?
No. Legally, the crime of shoplifting is completed the moment an individual purposely conceals merchandise with the intent to deprive the merchant of its value. Once the police are involved and evidence (like video footage) exists, the officer has the authority to process the arrest even if the suspect offers full payment or a refund.
What is the difference between a Complaint-Summons and a Warrant?
In this case, the suspect was issued a Complaint-Summons.
Complaint-Summons: This allows the defendant to be released after processing with a “promise to appear” in court on a specific date.
Warrant: This would require the defendant to be held in a county jail pending a detention hearing. The decision usually depends on the suspect’s prior criminal history and the risk they pose to the community.
Conclusion & Current Status
Hadeer Sharaf was processed at Middletown Police Headquarters, where she underwent fingerprinting and booking under number 24BK05266.
She was issued a Complaint-Summons (1331-S-2024-000266) and was scheduled for an initial court appearance on June 27, 2024, at the Monmouth County Superior Court.
While she was expected to be released the same day of the arrest, the 3rd-degree charge carries significant weight for her upcoming legal battle.
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.
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