DOVER — A Dover woman has been charged with stealing more than $235,000 worth of luxury goods from a Bernards Township home where she worked as a dog-sitter and babysitter, authorities announced.
Bernards Township Police Chief Timothy King and Deputy Chief Michael Sweeney, along with Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald and Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., reported that Teresa Soraluz, 64, Dover, was arrested and charged with second-degree theft of movable property.
The investigation began in June 2025, when a Bernards Township resident reported the theft of several high-end designer purses, shoes, clothing, and jewelry. Additional thefts of similar items were reported in August, bringing total losses to over $235,000.
Detectives from the Bernards Township Police Department and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Computer Crimes Unit conducted a four-month investigation that identified Soraluz as the suspect. Authorities determined she had been stealing items while working in the victim’s home.
On October 29, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at Soraluz’s residence, vehicle, and person. They recovered approximately 100 luxury purses, coats, shoes, and jewelry pieces, including around 20 items worth roughly $150,000 that were confirmed to belong to the victim.
Soraluz was taken into custody that same day and lodged at the Somerset County Jail, pending a court appearance.
Chief King and Deputy Chief Sweeney expressed gratitude to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team for their cooperation in the investigation.
Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
