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Warren County, N.J. Man Admits To Stealing, Reselling Construction Machines

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Blairstown, New Jersey man admitted Tuesday to leading a group that stole heavy machinery from construction sites in the state and sold the equipment out of a vacant lot in Newark.

Acting Attorney General John Hoffman said Michael Troncone, 34, pleaded guilty Monday to theft as part of a plea deal. He now faces an eight-year prison term, but it was not clear if a sentencing date had been scheduled.

The state's Insurance Fraud Prosecutor's office was tipped off to a pattern of thefts by the police departments in New Providence, Lyndhurst and Hanover.

With the help of local and state detectives, the office gathered video evidence which allegedly showed Troncone and another person stealing equipment from construction sites during late evening or early morning hours.

Authorities say the thieves would allegedly drive up, hook up a trailered piece of equipment and drive off with stolen equipment in tow. Detectives used high-tech equipment to foil the scheme, including remotely operated surveillance cameras, tracking devices and digital forensics.

Detectives eventually executed three search warrants in New Jersey, and Pennsylvania State Police executed another warrant in Pennsylvania. Authorities say at least 21 pieces of heavy equipment valued at several hundred thousand dollars were recovered during the investigation.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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