Hopatcong Middle School Teacher Suspended for Alleged Rite Aid Shoplifting

A Hopatcong Middle School language arts teacher was suspended after being arrested Wednesday for allegedly shoplifting $76 in items from Rite Aid.

Linda Carrara, 54, who lives in Hackettstown, was arrested under her married name, Linda Harris. She was placed on leave pending a probe that will be led by Hopatcong Superintendent of Schools Cynthia Randina, according to the New Jersey Herald.

At about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Hopatcong Borough Police officers went to the store after receiving a report of the incident. The manager said Harris, who came to the store each day and was known by name to at least one employee, conducted her shopping, filled her cart, then exited the without paying, according to Lt. Thomas Kmetz. 

Kmetz said Harris' cart contained a mini super cycle valued at $19.99, a plastic bowl valued at $5.99 and a comforter valued at $49.99. The woman said she had paid for the items at the pharmacy department and left the premises, but the manager told police the pharmacy staff said she had not paid, Kmetz said.

Officer Gerald Mancuso contacted Harris, who came to headquarters and cooperated with officers, Kmetz said. She told police she thought she had paid for the items and gave the merchandise to Mancuso, who made sure they were returned to Rite Aid. The woman was charged and released, pending a court appearance.

Harris was informed Thursday night by the school district of her suspension, the Herald reported.