East Orange Woman Arrested for Apartment Forgery and Identity Theft

Sakinah C. Watford charged with multiple counts after trying to lease Wood-Ridge apartment using victim's personal info

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A 34-year-old East Orange woman named Sakinah C. Watford was arrested and charged with forgery and false identity crimes after attempting to lease an apartment at the Rosera of Wesmont development in Wood-Ridge, New Jersey using stolen personal information of a victim. The leasing staff at Rosera alerted the victim, who then reported the identity theft to the Wood-Ridge Police Department. Detectives investigated the case and apprehended Watford when she arrived to view the apartment.

Why it matters

Identity theft and fraud crimes like this can have serious financial and legal consequences for victims, and highlight the need for vigilance in protecting personal information. This case also underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and private businesses to detect and prevent these types of crimes.

The details

On February 16, 2026, a Wood-Ridge resident reported to the police that her identity had been stolen and used to submit an incomplete lease application for an apartment at the Rosera of Wesmont complex. Detectives David Marchitelli and Roberto Cangialosi investigated the case, working closely with the Rosera leasing staff. They obtained enough information to set up an appointment with the female suspect, Sakinah C. Watford, to view an apartment. When Watford arrived, the detectives were waiting and placed her under arrest, assisted by Officers Mark Torsiello and Christian Hutchison.

  • On February 16, 2026, the victim reported the identity theft and fraudulent lease application to the Wood-Ridge Police Department.
  • On the same day, detectives scheduled an appointment with the suspect to view an apartment at the Rosera of Wesmont.

The players

Sakinah C. Watford

A 34-year-old woman from East Orange, New Jersey who was arrested and charged with forgery and false identity crimes for attempting to lease an apartment using a victim's stolen personal information.

Wood-Ridge Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the identity theft and fraud case, made the arrest, and is urging residents to monitor their personal information.

Rosera of Wesmont

The apartment complex in Wood-Ridge, New Jersey where the fraudulent lease application was submitted, prompting the victim to be contacted and the police investigation to begin.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Sakinah C. Watford is scheduled to appear in Bergen County Central Judiciary Processing Court in March to face the charges of forgery and false identity.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of identity theft and fraud, and the need for both individuals and businesses to remain vigilant in protecting personal information. It also demonstrates the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and private entities to detect and prevent these types of crimes.