Stafford Township, NJ - On February 13, 2026 at approximately 8:15 PM on the Garden State Parkway near Route 72, Stafford Township Police Patrolman Russell Okinsky conducted a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle displaying a suspicious temporary license plate. While being assisted by Ptl. Zachary Otte, Ptl. Okinsky further investigated his suspicions and determined that the temporary license plate was fraudulent.

The operator of the vehicle was identified as 37 year old Thiago L. Rocha of Jabez Street in Newark, NJ. Mr. Rocha was placed under arrest for the disorderly persons offense of Fictitious Plates 2C:21-1A(2). Based on the initial charges, Mr. Rocha was released on his own recognizance. During the motor vehicle stop, Patrolman Okinsky was presented with an insurance card that he believed to be fraudulent and not valid.

The following day, Patrolman Okinsky contacted the insurance provider that Mr. Rocha had presented and confirmed with the company that the policy had been inactive for several months. Ultimately, a warrant was issued for Mr. Rocha for fourth degree Falsifying Documents 2C:21-1A(3) and third degree Insurance Fraud 2C:21-4.6A.

As a reminder, the Stafford Township Police Department does not release arrest photos of defendants. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.