Westfield Sees Spike in Drug Charges and Fraud Cases

Authorities report multiple arrests for drug distribution, possession, and credit card fraud in the New Jersey town.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:27pm

Westfield, New Jersey has seen a recent rise in criminal activity, with police reporting several arrests for drug-related offenses and credit card fraud over the past week. Charges include distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), possession of CDS, and possession of prescription drugs, as well as multiple instances of fraudulent credit card use and identity theft.

Why it matters

The increase in drug and fraud cases in Westfield highlights ongoing public safety concerns in the community. Residents are impacted by the financial losses and disruption caused by these crimes, while law enforcement must allocate resources to address the growing issues. The incidents also raise questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in deterring repeat offenders.

The details

On March 23, officers arrested Anthony Rivera, 37, of New York, for an outstanding warrant, hindering apprehension, and drug charges including distribution of CDS, possession of CDS, and possession of prescription drugs. On March 25, Daniel Caraballo, 48, of Freehold, was arrested at police headquarters on multiple outstanding warrants and also charged with possession of CDS and false government documents. In separate incidents on March 27 and March 28, residents reported fraudulent credit card purchases totaling over $13,600.

  • On March 22 at 12:56 p.m., a resident reported a fraudulent utility account opened using their personal information.
  • On March 23 at 6:38 p.m., officers arrested Anthony Rivera on drug and warrant charges.
  • On March 25 at 5:57 p.m., Daniel Caraballo was arrested on multiple warrants and drug charges.
  • On March 27 at 9 a.m. and 2:27 p.m., residents reported credit card fraud incidents.
  • On March 28 at 12:37 p.m. and 11:50 p.m., a resident reported a $10,000 fraudulent credit card purchase and an arrest was made on an outstanding warrant.

The players

Anthony Rivera

A 37-year-old New York resident who was arrested for an outstanding warrant, hindering apprehension, and drug charges including distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), possession of CDS, and possession of prescription drugs.

Daniel Caraballo

A 48-year-old Freehold resident who was arrested at Westfield Police Department Headquarters on multiple outstanding warrants and also charged with possession of CDS and false government documents.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether to allow Anthony Rivera and Daniel Caraballo to be released on bail pending their court appearances.

The takeaway

The recent spike in drug-related offenses and credit card fraud in Westfield highlights the need for continued vigilance by both law enforcement and residents to address public safety concerns and protect the community from criminal activity.