A Pennsylvania pair have been charged in the July 2018 theft of fireworks from an Atlantic City tent that sparked anger and distrust from the business owners involved.
Porshia Maldonado and James Shifflette were selling fireworks for Keystone Novelties Distributors from a tent in the parking lot of the Ducktown Tavern.
But rather than process the sales, the two are accused of pocketing more than $500 over several days of work, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner said Friday.
That may have included a large amount of fireworks surveillance footage showed being packed up by Atlantic City police officers.
Maldonado, 36, and Shifflette, 37, are charged with third-degree crimes of unlawful taking in excess of $500 and conspiracy.
The Pottstown residents were served summonses Jan. 17. They are scheduled to appear in court. Feb. 12.
An exact amount of the theft was not given.
But $22,000 in product unaccounted for, according to an email obtained by BreakingAC that Keystone Managing Director Jack May sent to several investigators.
Ducktown owner John Exadaktilos provided police with video that included several angles of the tent where the fireworks were sold.
WPG Talk Radio host Harry Hurley obtained copies of those videos from an unnamed source, and shared them with BreakingAC.
Video from the Ducktown Tavern’s parking lot — where Keystone was selling their wares — seemed to show two Atlantic City police officers in uniform loading fireworks into their patrol cars. Hours earlier, the footage includes a transaction involving three other police officers, where at least one of them appears to use a credit card to pay for fireworks that are then loaded into two patrol cars with help from the man and woman working the tent.
But that sale was apparently never processed. No officers were charged in the case.
"This office investigated the matter diligently for the past 18 months, but ultimately determined that no criminal charges — which require a finding of proof beyond a reasonable doubt — were warranted, or sustainable, against any Atlantic City police officer," Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Mario Formica said.
"With that said, this office did forward its investigative findings to the Atlantic City Police Department for its independent determination as to whether any administrative/disciplinary action will be taken against any of the officers involved," he continued. "That determination, however, is solely a function of the Atlantic City Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit.
PBA President Matt Rogers asked at the time that the public withhold comment until the investigation was completed. “It appears some very strong accusations have been thrown at several of our members,” Rogers said in 2018. “When the investigation is complete, we are sure the truth will change the tone of the rhetoric and theme to these complaints. Anyone attempting to pass judgment in a public venue outside of due process or having all facts present is irresponsible.”
When asked about the update Friday, Rogers said, "Glad to put it behind us and move forward."
May did not respond to requests for comment.
