“I feel like the worst person in the world,” one suspect cried out as the reality of her Shoplifting Arrest at Freehold Raceway Mall began to set in. What started as a simple trip to the mall in Freehold Township, New Jersey, ended with two college students in handcuffs and a frantic conversation about “psychotic breaks” and the fear of a permanent criminal record.
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Watch: Shoplifting Arrest at Freehold Raceway Mall Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:08:31 where the officer explains that the suspects returned to the store with stolen items only to be recognized by staff.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The incident began on the morning of November 29, 2025, when two young women entered a retail store at the mall. According to store employees, the pair had visited earlier that day and were suspected of stealing several items.
When the women returned later that afternoon, the staff was ready. An employee noticed a red shirt sticking out of one of the girls’ bags. The employee confronted them, telling them it would be “less embarrassing” if they handed over the items before security was called.
The suspects were led to a fitting room to wait for the Freehold Township Police. Officer Moody arrived on the scene and found the two women, later identified as Rithikha Rajesh and her friend, waiting as instructed.
Under Miranda warnings, the women were surprisingly honest. They admitted they had taken items earlier in the morning—including a skirt, a bra, and leggings—and simply walked out without paying.
“So you brought his stuff back to give them?” the officer asked, puzzled by their return. The suspects admitted they still had the stolen goods on them when they came back for a second round of shopping.
As the officers processed the Shoplifting Arrest at Freehold Raceway Mall, the atmosphere grew heavy. One of the suspects began to spiral, claiming the incident was the result of a “psychotic break” and expressing a deep fear of developing schizophrenia.
The Arrest: Charges Against Rithikha Rajesh
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| Shoplifting (2C:20-11) | Taking retail goods valued at less than $200 without paying. | Up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine (Disorderly Persons Offense). |
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Legal Analysis: Was the Shoplifting Arrest at Freehold Raceway Mall Justified?
From a legal perspective, the Shoplifting Arrest at Freehold Raceway Mall followed standard New Jersey police protocol.
Fourth Amendment Check: The initial detention was based on a “private person” (store employee) report of active shoplifting. The subsequent search and arrest were supported by the suspects’ voluntary confessions after being read their Miranda rights.
Police Protocol: Officer Moody followed the New Jersey Bail Reform guidelines. While one suspect had a clean record and was released on a summons, Rajesh initially faced a “warrant” status because she had a pending court case for a “fake ID” charge. However, after consulting with the court, the officers were able to release both on a summons.
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5 general frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the charges and legal processes
What does a “Disorderly Persons (DP) Offense” mean in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, a Disorderly Persons offense is similar to a misdemeanor in other states. It is considered a less serious criminal offense than a “crime” (felony). While it is handled in municipal court, a conviction still results in a criminal record that can appear on background checks.
How is the “Retail Value” of shoplifted items determined for charging?
The severity of a shoplifting charge depends on the total full retail value of the items taken. In this specific case, the retail value was under $200, which classifies it as a Disorderly Persons offense. If the value exceeds $200, the charge can be upgraded to a fourth, third, or second-degree indictable crime.
Can I be arrested for shoplifting if I return the items to the store?
Yes. Admitting to taking the items or returning them does not erase the initial act of theft. In this incident, the suspects admitted to taking items earlier in the day and returned to give them back, but they were still processed and charged because the offense had already been committed.
What is the difference between a “Summons” and a “Warrant” after an arrest?
A Summons is a document that allows a person to be released with a set court date, essentially a promise to appear in court. A Warrant usually means the person must be taken to jail and held until they can see a judge. Factors like a person’s criminal history or pending court cases often determine which one is issued.
Does a shoplifting arrest lead to an automatic ban from a property?
While not a direct criminal penalty from the court, most retail stores and malls issue a “Notice of Trespass” or a ban following a theft incident. In this case, the officer informed the suspects they were banned from the mall for approximately three years. Entering the property during this time could lead to additional charges for criminal trespassing.
Conclusion & Current Status
Rithikha Rajesh was processed at police headquarters and eventually released on a summons. She is currently banned from the Freehold Raceway Mall for a period of three years. Her first court appearance is scheduled to be a virtual hearing in mid-December.
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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