From the Maplewood Police Department:
Maplewood Police Blotter
August 31, 2026, FRAUD, 2060 Millburn Ave (Orion Healthcare): On August 31, 2026, the Maplewood Police Department Detective Bureau initiated an investigation into a medical doctor who was allegedly practicing medicine without a valid U.S. license. During the course of the investigation, and in collaboration with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Maplewood Police Department determined that the alleged suspect, 38-year-old Pooja Verma of Middlesex, New Jersey, was not a licensed medical doctor in the United States. At approximately 10:17 a.m., Maplewood Police Department detectives and DEA agents responded to Orion Healthcare, located at 2060 Millburn Ave, and placed Verma under arrest without incident. Verma was subsequently transported to the Maplewood Police Department for processing. Maplewood Police Department personnel, along with the DEA, then executed an approved search warrant at Orion Healthcare. Verma was subsequently charged with violations of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-20A, 2C:21-20C, and 2C:21-20D (knowingly practicing medicine without a license). She was then transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility.
August 31, 2026, SHOPLIFTING, 1633 Springfield Ave (Walgreens): At approximately 5:27 p.m., patrols responded to the above location on a report of a shoplifting. The caller reported that an unknown male filled a shopping cart full of items and then left without making payment. The male was described as a black male approximately 6’0” wearing a white t-shirt, yellow construction vest and jeans. The male is observed on video leaving the store and entering into a silver sedan. This incident is currently under investigation by the Maplewood Police Department’s Detective Bureau.
August 31, 2026, SHOPLIFTING (The Dollar Tree): On this date at approximately 4:06 p.m., patrols responded to the above location on a report of a shoplifting. The caller reported that the actor had entered the store and placed several items under his shirt before exiting without making payment. The actor was described as a male wearing a black mask, black jacket, black pants and a backpack. Patrols canvassed the surrounding area and located a male subject matching the description in the area of Tuscan Street toward Burnett Avenue riding a bicycle. Patrols approached the subject and ordered him to stop and get off of the bicycle. The subject ignored all verbal commands and continued to pedal the bicycle. Patrols were able to grab control of the subject and safely bring him to the ground. A 53-year-old Newark man was placed under arrest and subsequently charged with 2c:20-11B, 2c:29-1A, and 2c:29-2A (shoplifting, obstructing the administration of law and resisting arrest.)
August 26, 2026 STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLE: On this date Maplewood Police patrols responded to a Beach Street residence on a report of a stolen motor vehicle during the overnight hours. The caller reported that she parked her vehicle in the driveway at approximately 7 p.m. on August 25, and when she returned to the vehicle in the morning it was gone. The caller reported that the vehicle was left unsecured with the keys inside of the cupholder. Through investigation MPD detectives were able to locate the stolen motor vehicle at Dente’s Towning. Detectives were advised the vehicle was involved in a motor vehicle crash and multiple occupants fled the scene. This incident is currently under investigation by the Maplewood Police Department’s Detective Bureau.
All charges are merely accusations. Each suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Other info:
The Maplewood Police Department works hard to protect residents and their property. We are asking that you assist us in this effort by making sure all vehicles and homes are properly secured at all times.
The Blue Envelope Program is a safety initiative designed to help individuals with Autism or other communication differences during interactions with law enforcement, especially during traffic stops. For more information, please contact the Community Engagement Unit at Ext: 7923
Also, the Maplewood Police Department offers FREE Home Security Surveys to residents of the Township. These surveys are designed to assist residents of security options they can use to further protect their residences. If you would like to have a survey conducted for your residence, please log onto www.MaplewoodPD.org and select the prompt for the Home Security Survey to fill out the request.
