Principal Posed as FBI, Stole Sunglasses From Store: Police
Man passed off old sunglasses as new for refund and swiped another pair, police say
bartb_pt, Flickr
A New Jersey Catholic school principal has been suspended after he allegedly impersonated an FBI agent and then stole sunglasses from a store.
Claudio Cerullo stopped into a store inside the Cherry Hill Mall on Feb. 22 to return a pair of Prada sunglasses, according to Cherry Hill Police.
When asked for identification, Cerullo, 40, allegedly flashed what appeared to the clerk as a badge for the FBI, authorities said. The clerk and Cerullo then apparently had a short conversation about the federal agency as the clerk processed the return.
After being credited almost $300, the man then asked to see a new pair of sunglasses, police say.
He was shown another pair of designer sunglasses before allegedly pocketing them and leaving the store while the clerk helped another customer, according to police.
Examining the returned glasses, the clerk realized they were an old pair, police said.
Cerullo, who serves as the principal of Christ the King Regional School in Haddonfield, N.J., was arrested and charged Wednesday. He faces three counts – theft, theft by deception and impersonating a FBI officer, police said.
In a letter to parents, Christ the King pastor Reverend Monsignor William Brennan explained the arrest and said he placed the school's two vice principals in charge.
"I have directed that Vice Principal Kaye Herman and Vice Principal Doretta Scott assume responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the school until an acting principal is appointed in the near future," Msgr. Rev. Brennan said.
Cerullo was released on a summons. He's due in court for his first appearance on Mar. 31.
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