Burglary- On Thursday, August 13, 2020, at 9:32 a.m., Officer Kymberly Gudgeon responded to a Beach Boulevard home in reference to a theft. The 95 year-old victim reported that while she slept during the overnight hours someone stole items from her purse and jewelry box. Detective Dalziel and the Ocean County Crime Scene Unit processed the home discovering evidence of a burglary. During the six-day investigation, detectives recovered a portion of the proceeds and issued an arrest warrant for a neighbor, Joseph Hover, 33. On Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Hover was arrested by Berkeley Township Police. The arrest led to a search warrant being executed at Hover’s home resulting in several pieces of the victim’s jewelry were recovered. Hover was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility after being charged with Burglary, Theft, and Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card. Berkeley Township Police charged Hover with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after empty wax folds, used to package heroin, and a hypodermic syringe were found in his possession while being arrested.
Fraud- On Thursday, August 13, 2020, at 10:41 a.m., Officer Michael Baldasari met with a Forked River resident in reference to a fraudulent purchase. The caller reported that an unknown person accessed her PayPal account to make a purchase and have it shipped to a Miami address. The $97 purchase was cancelled prior to shipment.
Contempt- On Friday, August 14, 2020, at 12:53 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Lakeside Diner after receiving a complaint. While there, employees were observed serving customers inside the diner in violation of the Governor’s Order. A summons was issued for the offense. Officers responded again on Monday, August 17, 2020, for the same violation. A second summons was issued. On Monday, August 24, 2020, the owner of the Lakeside Diner, Alfred Brindisi, was charged with Contempt of a Court Order. The complaint was served after the diner continued to offer indoor dining in violation of a Court Order issued by a Superior Court Judge.
Arrest- On Saturday, August 15, 2020, at 7:27 a.m., Sergeant John McKee conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 9 for a cell phone violation. During the stop it was determined that the driver had an outstanding warrant. Calogero Marchese, 39, was arrested and transported on the strength of the $500 warrant issued by the Manchester Township Municipal Court. He was released after posting bail.
DWI- On Monday, August 17, 2020, at 11:24 p.m., construction workers on Route 9 reported that they were almost struck by a passing vehicle that then parked on the shoulder. Officers Patrick Watkins and Anthony Ravallo responded and located the vehicle that was being operated by Samantha Jenssen, 23, of Manahawkin. During the investigation, Jenssen was placed under arrest for being impaired. Jenssen was charged with DWI and Reckless Driving.
Fraud- On Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at 2:01 p.m., Officer Kymberly Gudgeon met with a Lanoka Harbor resident for a fraud report. The caller reported that an unknown person used her personal information to open a Bank of America account although the contact information was for an unknown email address. The account was cancelled prior to any transactions.
Theft- On Thursday, August 20, 2020, at 10:54 a.m., Officer John Simonson met with a resident of Beach Boulevard who reported a theft. The victim reported a mermaid statue missing from the front yard of her home. The theft is valued at $200.
Fire- On Sunday, August 23, 2020, at 1:24 a.m., officers responded to a Continental Court residence for a reported structure fire. The call came in after occupants of the home discovered flames in the rear of the house. Multiple fire departments responded to extinguish the fire that led to a large portion of the home being consumed and deemed inhabitable. Detective Dalziel and the Ocean County Marshal’s Office are investigating the fire’s cause and origin.
Arrest- On Tuesday, August 23, 2020, at 10:36 a.m., Lacey and Berkeley detectives arrested a Bronx, New York resident during a fraud investigation. Prior to the arrest, detectives were investigating a matter involving a purchase of six iPhones by an unknown suspect. The online purchase was made using a stolen identity. On the morning of the arrest, the phones were delivered to a Saltspray Drive residence. As the courier arrived, a vehicle driven by Anjoel Rojas, 27, arrived simultaneously. Rojas identified himself as the homeowner and accepted the package. After the delivery driver left, detectives stopped Rojas and placed him under arrest. Rojas was charged with Theft of Moveable Property and Conspiracy. The phones, valued at $4,194, were recovered.
Burglary- On Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at 1:20 p.m., Officer Jason Lee met with a Sheffield Drive resident who reported a theft from his vehicle. The victim conveyed that during the overnight hours, an unknown person(s) entered his vehicle and stole various items. The items were valued at $268.
Theft- On Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at 5:33 p.m., Officer Michael Baldasari responded to Oxford Road for a stolen trailer. The victim reported that on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at 4:40 p.m., his neighbor’s Ring video camera recorded a red Chevrolet pickup truck leaving his residence, towing his utility trailer. The trailer is valued at $1,500.