Mount Olive NJ police arrested a man who allegedly stole $1,700 from a motel room in Budd Lake, New Jersey.

According to police, 24-year-old Robert Zazeski stole the money from a room at Kennedy’s Budd Lake Motel on Route 46. Police believe that Zazeski then tried to use the money to his pay his tab at a nearby bar.

The alleged victim was staying at the motel. He called police and reported that he was missing roughly $1,600. Officers investigated the man’s room and discovered a receipt from Kennedy’s Pub.

Police officers went to the adjacent bar and spoke with bartenders, who indicated that the receipt belonged to Zazeski. Apparently, Zazeski has been seen at the bar handling a large sum of money. A bartender told police that at one point Zazeski was unable to pay his bar tab; yet he later managed to pay the entire bill and leave a $100 bill as a tip.

Officers found Zazeski at a nearby Budd Lake residence, where Zazeski allegedly gave the officers $1,700 belonging to the man at the motel.

Zazeski has been charged with theft.

In New Jersey, theft of movable property is addressed by N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3. The penalties for theft vary, depending on the value of the property taken. In this case, Zazeski may face charges for third degree theft of movable property because he is alleged to have taken more than $500. If Zazeski is convicted of the third degree charge, he could be sentenced to up to five (5) years in New Jersey State Prison.

For more information about this case, check out the NJ.com article entitled “Police: Man Stole $1,700 from Budd Lake Motel, Went to Pay His Bar Tab.“