Two men from Newark and Harrison were arrested by Denville Police on Friday, May 22, 2026, after a traffic stop on Route 46 West uncovered approximately $800 worth of used cooking oil stolen from Hunan Taste on Bloomfield Avenue.
Traffic Stop Leads to Discovery
According to the Denville Police Department, officers stopped a vehicle near St. Mary’s Place around 7:00 a.m. after observing several motor vehicle violations. During the stop, officers spotted a large container of used cooking oil inside the vehicle.
A follow-up investigation determined that the occupants had stolen the oil from Hunan Taste, a longtime Chinese restaurant located at 67 Bloomfield Avenue in Denville.
Charges Filed
Police identified the suspects as Jefferson Servil, 27, of Newark, and Kervens Alsas, 30, of Harrison. Both men were placed under arrest and transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing.
Each was charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking, a third degree offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3A. In addition to the theft charge, the driver was issued motor vehicle summonses for Failure to Possess an Insurance Card, Failure to Possess a Registration Card, Delaying Traffic, Improper Use of Horn, and Driving Without a License.
After processing, Servil and Alsas were released pending a future court appearance.
Why Used Cooking Oil Is Targeted
Used cooking oil has become a target for theft in recent years because it can be resold to biodiesel processors. Restaurants typically store the used oil in secured containers behind their buildings until a licensed renderer picks it up.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
