Man Used $1,300 Bad Check at Classic Antiques, Garwood Police Say

A Belleville man purchased more than $1,300 worth of jewelry and silverware from Classic Antiques with a bad check, Garwood Police said.

Michael A. Williams went into Classic Antiques on Oct. 2 and purchased the goods with a personal check, police said. After making the purchase, the store owner became suspicious of the transaction, contacted the bank, and learned the check was issued on a closed account, according to police.

The store owners contacted police headquarters and the Belleville man was identified during the investigation. Two criminal complaints for theft by deception and issuing bad checks were signed against Williams and bail was set at $30,000.

Williams was arrested by the Newark Police Department for an unrelated incident and was served with the complaints while housed at the Essex County Jail.

According to police, Williams also victimized several other merchants throughout the state. He is currently being held at Essex County Jail.