Fraud- On Thursday, August 26, 2021, at 10:42 a.m., Officer Michael Hutman met with an elderly resident reporting fraud. The victim complained that she was contacted through Facebook by a person she believed to be a congressional representative. The victim contributed $1,300 as a donation prior to realizing the scam.
Arrest- On Friday, August 27, at 6:36 a.m., Officer Jason Lee was dispatched to the Second Lake for a male lighting fireworks. Officer Lee located James DeCarlo, 28, in the center of the lake utilizing a boat owned by the Township. DeCarlo was ultimately charged with Theft and released on his own recognizance. After reviewing surveillance footage, officers discovered that DeCarlo was responsible for damage in the area valued at $2,000. The damage included graffiti with the words “Kill Lacey Police.” Several hours later, DeCarlo was located at Wawa, 444 Route 9, where he had spray-painted the fence. While arresting DeCarlo, officers discovered an amount of heroin and drug paraphernalia in his possession. DeCarlo was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility after being charged with Criminal Mischief, Possession of Heroin, Possession of a Hypodermic, and Possession of Burglar Tools.
MVA- On Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 11:28 p.m., several officers responded to Lakeside Drive South in reference to a motor vehicle accident. The investigation revealed that the driver of a 2021 Mercedes Benz swerved to avoid bicyclists and collided with a utility pole. The driver and passenger only sustained minor injuries. Lakeside Drive South was closed for numerous hours while the utility pole was replaced.
Theft- On Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at 6:38 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno was dispatched to the Lacey Mall for a reported theft. The caller stated that he entered the Dollar Tree while leaving his bicycle on the sidewalk. Upon returning, the GT Mountain bike had been stolen. The theft is valued at $600.
Trespassing- On Friday, August 27, 2021, at 5:36 p.m., Officers Michael Hein and Dallas Gant were dispatched to Dollar Tree for patrons being harassed by an unknown male. Officers identified Moses Sutton who was advised that he was no longer permitted on the property. On Tuesday, August 31, 2021, officers again responded to the Lacey Mall for similar circumstances. Officers located the violator, Moses Sutton, who was issued a summons for Trespassing.
Fraud- On Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at 10:17 a.m., Officer Scott Anderson met with a Forked River resident who reported a fraud. The victim stated that he was contacted and advised of an outstanding arrest warrant. The victim was coerced into purchasing a gift card and providing the caller with the identification numbers to satisfy the warrant.