Weekly Police Blotter

Drug Distribution and Possession (Arrests) – On Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at 10:39 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey and Officer Noah Schaffer were assigned to a directed surveillance assignment in the parking lot of the Wawa located at 444 Route 9 South in Forked River. The officers were observing the area for possible drug activity when they observed a female walking across the rear parking lot of Wawa toward the wood line near the area of the Ocean County walking path. The female appeared to be looking for someone in the wooded area. Officers observed a male emerge from the wood line onto the walking path. The female and the male met face-to-face and made a hand-to-hand transaction. Immediately at the conclusion of the transaction the two separated and walked in opposite directions. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 48-year-old Henry A. Racaniello IV of 212 Cedar Lake Point in Forked River for distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and 47-year-old Kim Nulle of 1013 Mizzen Avenue in Beachwood for possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Officers recovered a clear plastic Ziploc bag from Henry Racaniello containing a large quantity of small blue opioid prescription pain pills, specifically sixty-two (62) Oxycodone pills, as well as other pills including Alprazolam. The small blue pills are commonly referred to as “Blues” or “Roxies” on the street. Kim Nulle was found to be in possession of twenty (20) round blue Oxycodone pills. Both suspects were transported to Lacey Township Police headquarters where they were processed and charged. Bail for Henry Racaniello was set at $25,000 with no 10% option, and bail for Kim Nulle was set at $10,000 with no 10% option. Kim Nulle was charged with Possession of CDS and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, while Henry Racaniello was charged with Distribution of CDS and Possession of CDS. Both subjects were transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the bail. Officers learned that Kim Nulle had a 13-year-old juvenile in the vehicle use to drive to the location, so the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (aka – DYFS) was notified regarding the incident.

Weekly Police Blotter – Press Release

February 11^th, 2014 thru February 15^th, 2014

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• DUI (Arrest) – On Saturday, February 15, 2014, at 3:10 a.m., Officer Michael Verwey stopped a vehicle for careless driving on Newark Avenue near Lacey Road. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 23-year-old Douglas J. Warren of 2147 Llewellyn Parkway in Forked River, for DUI. The vehicle was impounded pursuant to John’s Law. Douglas Warren was transported to Lacey Police Headquarters where he was processed and released to a family member after being issued summonses for DUI, Refusal to Submit Breath Samples, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, and Failure to Exhibit Insurance Documents.

• Criminal Mischief (Residence) – On Friday, February 14, 2014, at 10:00 a.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to 236 Hemlock Lane in Forked River in reference to criminal mischief. The residents reported that on Thursday, February 13, 2014, at approximately 11:30 p.m., they heard multiple bangs on the rear of their house while they were watching television. On Friday, February 14, 2014, they discovered three small holes in a living room window located at the rear of the house. The damage is believed to have been caused by BB’s from a BB gun. The damage is estimated at $500.

• Burglary & Theft (Residence) – On Friday, February 14, 2014, at 9:05 p.m., Officer Noah Schaffer responded to the 2000 block of Hollywood Drive in Forked River in reference to a burglary. The resident reported that her 17-year-old son came home around 8:30 p.m., and as he went down stairs, he heard someone leave through the front door of the residence. The 17-year-old reported that he observed the subject enter the front passenger seat of a small Teal Green pick-up truck, possibly a Ford Ranger with “cheap silver hubcaps.” The vehicle and suspect reportedly fled the area before he could get the registration number. The 17-year-old reported that he only left his residence for approximately a half hour before he returned to discover the person inside. The following items were reported to have been stolen: a black 42 inch Dynex flat screen television valued at $700 and a prescription pill bottle containing approximately six 30mg pills of Adderall. Detectives responded and processed the scene. There was no sign of forced entry to the home.

• DUI (Arrest) – On Friday, February 14, 2014, at 2:01 a.m., Officer Dimitri Tsarnas and Officer Michael Verwey conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 9 near the Lacey Business Park in Forked River for failure to maintain a lane. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 32-year-old Jason P. Zelko of 127 Village Drive in Barnegat, NJ, for DUI. The vehicle was impounded pursuant to John’s Law. Jason Zelko was transported to Lacey Police Headquarters where he was processed, charged, and released to a family member. The passenger, 28 year-old, Jenna M Humphries of 310 Taylor Street in Little Egg Harbor, NJ, was determined to be the owner of the vehicle and was charged with allowing a person to operate her vehicle while impaired. Jason Zelko was issued summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain a Lane.

• Theft & Credit Card Fraud – On February 14, 2014, at 3:58 p.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to a Williams Avenue residence in Forked River in reference to a theft. The caller reported that her PNC debit card was stolen between February 12, 2014 and February 14, 2104. The caller also reported that the card was fraudulently used eight times between February 13, 2014 and February 14, 2014. The total amount of the withdrawals and charges was $1,418.14. The account was immediately canceled immediately upon learning of the fraudulent transactions.

• Warrant (Arrest) – On Friday, February 14, 2014, Officer Keith Pearce arrested 42-year-old Dewann Mcallister of 807 Orlando Drive in Forked River, NJ, on an outstanding $2,500 Lacey Township Municipal Court warrant. Dewann Mcallister was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and was then transported to the Ocean County Jail in default of bail.

• Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Thursday, February 13, 2014, at 9:29 p.m., Officer Evan Androcy observed a vehicle swerving as it was traveling north on Route 9. Officer Androcy stopped the vehicle on Route 9 near the intersection of Warren Avenue in Lanoka Harbor. Investigation at the scene led to the discovery of a small plastic baggie containing both Oxycodone pills and Alprazolam pills. The driver, 24-year-old Anthony P. Cipolletti of 47 Harborage Avenue in Bayville, NJ, and the passenger, 18-year-old Evan R. Smith of 26 Galleon Court in Bayville, NJ, were placed under arrest and transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters. Both subjects were charged with the 3rd degree offense of Possession of CDS. Both were released on a summons pending a court date.

• Consumption of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle – On Thursday, February 13, 2014, at 9:01 p.m., Officer Andrew Slota responded to the Wawa located at 444 Route 9 South in Forked River for a report of people consuming alcohol in a vehicle. Investigation at the scene indicated that 21-year-old Jacob Barney of 1250 Spruce Street in Forked River was consuming Vodka in a vehicle. Jacob Barney was issued a summons for Consumption of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle and Open Container in Motor Vehicle.

• Theft – On Thursday, February 13, 2104, at 9:10 p.m., Officer Andrew Slota responded to the 900 block of Sinclair Avenue in reference to a theft. The resident reported that over the past three weeks several items had been stolen from the rear yard of the residence. The items reported stolen include a Toro lawn mower ($300), Echo Weed whacker/trimmer ($150), an air conditioning condenser ($2,000), various scrap copper piping and baseboard ($500), scrap copper wire ($200), and miscellaneous scrap AC compressors, copper and brass fittings ($50). The total value of the stolen property is estimated at $3,200.

• Drug Possession & Warrant (Arrest) – On Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at 1:37 a.m., Officer Dimitri Tsarnas observed a vehicle drive into the Lacey Industrial Park. Due to the unusually late hour, Officer Tsarnas deemed the action to be suspicious, so he entered the Business Park in an attempt to locate the vehicle. The vehicle was located near a closed business. Officer Tsarnas and Officer Verwey checked the business and discovered that it was unsecured. The officers entered the business and encountered two male subjects and a female inside the closed business. The male subjects indicated that they were employees of the business and had permission to be there at the late hour. While speaking with the subjects, officers observed drug paraphernalia on a table in the immediate area of the subjects. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the paraphernalia contained Marijuana. After further inquiry, Christopher M. Lovenberg of 89 Whitlock Road in Jackson, NJ, was also determined to have an outstanding warrant from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department for $2,500 for possession of CDS as well as an outstanding traffic warrant from Brick Township Municipal Court. Christopher Lovenberg was placed under arrest and found to be in possession of Suboxone, a prescription medication. Christopher Lovenberg was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and charged on a warrant with 3rd degree possession of CDS (Suboxone) with bail set at $2,500. Christopher Lovenberg was also charged on a summons with possession of CDS (Marijuana) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Christopher Lovenberg was unable to post bail on the multiple warrants and was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Arrest) – On Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at approximately 5:55 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey and Officer John Simonson responded to the Wawa located at 701 Route 9 North Lanoka Harbor in reference to a call of a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot. The caller reported that there were two subjects sitting in a blue Chevrolet Cobalt packaging drugs. Officers approached the vehicle and spoke with the driver, 23-year-old Ian Brown of 411 Shipwrighter Lane in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and the passenger, 24-year-old Candace DePedro of 202 Kingswood Lane in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. While speaking with the subjects, Officer John Simonson observed a straws and a large quantity empty of wax folds commonly used in the packaging of heroin. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Ian Brown and Candace DePedro for possession of drug paraphernalia. Both subjects were transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where they were processed and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Both subjects were released on summonses awaiting a court date.

• Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Tuesday, February 11, 2104, at 10:28 p.m., Officer George Resetar and Officer Andrew Slota, observed a vehicle parked on Weehawkin Avenue near the intersection of Tappan Street in Forked River. The vehicle had its headlights on and two occupants inside. The officers approached the vehicle and made contact with the driver, 19-year-old XXXXX of XXXXX Avenue North in Forked River. As XXXXX opened his door, Officer Slota immediately detected an odor of Marijuana. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of XXXXX and the passenger, 21-year-old John P. Regan, Jr. of 750 Tappan Street in Forked River for possession of Marijuana. Paraphernalia was also located following the arrest. Both subjects were transported to Lacey Township Police headquarters where they were processed and released on a summons awaiting a court date. XXXXX was charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. John P. Regan Jr. was charged with Possession of Marijuana.

• Attempted Burglary (Residence) – On Tuesday, February 11, 2014, at 11:15 a.m., Officer John Simonson responded to a residence on the 900 block of Capstan Drive in Forked River in reference to an attempted burglary. The homeowner reported that upon checking his residence, he noticed that all three sliding doors were damaged by what appeared to be someone attempting to pry them open. The rear garage door and window, as well as a kitchen window, appeared to be have been tampered with and damaged. The damage appears to have been done by a pry tool. The damage is believed to have happened within the past two months. The total damage is estimated at $7,950. Detective Samuel Della Sala responded to the scene to continue the investigation.

Weekly Police Blotter – Press Release

February 4^th, 2014 thru February 10^th, 2014

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• Warrant and Vehicle Theft (Arrest) – On Monday, February 10, 2014, at 11:00 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe observed a suspicious male near the TJ Maxx Store located at 348 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 51-year-old Joseph Maracco of Yorktown Drive in Forked River on an outstanding Atlantic City Municipal Court warrant for $500. Further investigation led to additional criminal charges against Joseph Maracco for stealing a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup from Blood Marine Services, 621 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor that was reported to this agency on February 3, 2014. Bail was set at $10,000 for the vehicle theft. Joseph Maracco was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the bail.

• Warrant (Arrest) – On Monday, February 10, 2014, at 4:51 p.m., Officer Julie Barcalow responded to a two-car motor vehicle accident that occurred on Manchester Avenue in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of one of the drivers, identified as 52-year-old John P. Zahn, IV, of Martin Drive in Whiting, NJ, on an outstanding Manchester Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $250. John Zahn was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released after he posted full bail.

• False Reports to Law Enforcement (Formal Charge) – On Sunday, February 9, 2014, at 12:02 a.m., Officers Peter Donahue and Julie Barcalow responded to the 100 block of Lawrence Drive in Lanoka Harbor for a reported subject inside the residence whom was out of control. Upon arrival, officers determined that everything was fine at the residence and the call was false. The incident resulted 35-year-old Michael S. Chabot of 109 Lawrence Drive in Lanoka Harbor with Filing a False Police Report.

• Burglary and Theft (Residence) – On Sunday, February 09, 2014, at 4:38 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe responded to the 900 block of Capstan Drive in Forked River in reference to a burglary. The complainant reported that between September 2013 and February 2014, an unknown person or persons forced entry into his summer home and stole a 40-inch Insignia television valued at $500. The rear door of the residence was forced open and was damaged as a result. The damage is estimated at $200.

• Criminal Mischief and Trespassing – On Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 12:51 p.m., Officer Jeffrey Slota responded to the 1700 block of Lakeside Drive South in Forked River in reference to criminal mischief. A real estate agent reported that within the past two months, an unknown person or persons threw a brick through a window in the rear of the residence causing under $500 in damage. The home has been vacant since 2011 and someone is believed to have been squatting there.

• Underage Consumption of Alcohol (Formal Charges) – On Saturday, February 8, 2014, at 10:53 p.m., Officers Julie Barcalow and Peter Donahue responded to the Lanoka Harbor Post Office, located at 402 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for an intoxicated juvenile female. Upon arrival, officers located an intoxicated 15-year-old female from Forked River. The juvenile female was transported to police headquarters where she was released to her mother. A juvenile complaint was prepared for the Underage Consumption of Alcohol.

• Warrant and Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Saturday, February 8, 2014, at 12:18 a.m., Officer Darrell Nick conducted a traffic stop on West Lacey Road near the intersection of Aspen Road in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 21-year-old Sean Cox of Bullard Avenue in Forked River, on an outstanding Hamilton Township Municipal Court traffic warrant. Sean Cox was also charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (heroin), possession of a hypodermic syringe, and possession of drug paraphernalia.. Sean Cox was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of $15,000 bail for the drug related charges.

• DUI (Arrest) – On Friday, February 7, 2014, at 5:48 p.m., Officer Julie Barcalow responded to the main gate of the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station, 800 Route 9 South in Forked River, in reference to a suspicious vehicle. The security officers reported that a white van had pulled into the security checkpoint. The security officers approached the van and the driver told them that he had made a wrong turn into the facility. The security officers reported that the driver, 52-year-old Robert J. Verpent of Buccaneer Lane in Manahawkin, and an adult passenger of Spring Street in Red Bank, appeared to be intoxicated. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Robert J. Verpent for driving while intoxicated. Robert Verpent was transported to Lacey Police Headquarters where he was processed for DUI. He was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle, and failure to produce insurance documents. The vehicle Robert Verpent was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

• Theft (residence) – On Friday, February 7, 2014, at 10:58 a.m., Officer Ricciardella responded to the 500 block of Clairmore Avenue in Lanoka Harbor in reference to a theft. The caller (neighbor) reported that someone had stolen the air conditioning unit from the vacant residence. The property is owned by a bank and the property manager did not want to report the theft. No time frame was provided and no suspects could be identified.

• Warrant (Arrest) – On Friday, February 7, 2014, at 10:31 a.m., Officer Jeffrey Slota conducted a traffic stop on Route 9 North near Game Farm Road in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 21-year-old Quincy Zabroski of Richmond Drive in Forked River, on an outstanding Atlantic City Municipal Court traffic warrant in the amount of $550. Quincy Zabroski was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he posted bail and was released.

• Warrant (Arrest) – On Thursday, February 06, 2014, at 5:19 p.m., Officers Michael Verwey and Dimitri Tsarnas responded to the 1500 block of Claire Road in Forked River to serve a warrant. While at the residence, officers arrested 22-year-old Paul Illingworth, Jr. of Claire Road in Forked River on an outstanding Lacey Township Municipal Court failure-to-appear warrant for $250. Paul Illingworth was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of bail.

• Shoplifting – On Thursday, February 6, 2014, at 1:27 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to Verizon Wireless, 118 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for a theft report. The complainant reported that on Thursday, February 6, 2014, at approximately 10:45 a.m., a male and female entered the store together. The female engaged a store employee in conversation while the male subject walked around the store. After a short period, the male and female left together and entered what appeared to be a silver, Toyota SUV. The employees reviewed the store video surveillance and determined that the male subject shoplifted two Life Proof IPhone 5s cases valued at $79.99 each for a total of $159.98. The male is described as being 6’0” tall, in his early 20’s, with a scruffy beard. The female is described as being in her 20’s, approximately 5’6” tall, with brown hair and brown eyes. The male and female have not been identified.

• Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Wednesday, February 5, 2014, at 9:45 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey, while traveling north on Deerhead Lake Drive, observed a pedestrian make a transaction with someone in a blue, older-model Ford F-150 standard cab pick-up truck. The pedestrian quickly walked away heading east on Lakeside Drive South. Believing that he had just witnessed a CDS transaction, Officer Verwey approached the pedestrian on Lakeside Drive South at Edgewood Road. Officer Dimitri Tsarnas arrived and assisted Officer Verwey. The adult male subject, identified as 42-year-old Joseph D. Negra of Joffrey Road in Forked River, was found to have an outstanding warrant out of the Toms River Municipal Court in the amount of $500. During the arrest at the scene on the outstanding warrant, Joseph Negra was caught trying to discard five (5) bags of heroin. Joseph D. Negra was charged with Possession of Heroin and lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of $10,000 bail. The investigation is continuing into the identity of the occupants of the suspect vehicle involved in the drug transaction.

• Warrant (Arrest) – On Wednesday, February 5, 2104 at 11:53 a.m., Officer Michael Hein conducted a traffic stop on Route 9 South in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 19-year-old Tyshon Jackson of Alden Drive in Toms River on an outstanding Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Warrant for CDS. The outstanding bail on the warrant was $10,000. Tyshon Jackson was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed. He was then transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of bail.

• Burglary and Theft (Residence) – On Wednesday, February 5, 2014, at 11:12 a.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to the 1200 block of Lakeside Drive South in Forked River in reference to a theft. The management company reported that numerous items were stolen from a bank-owned property. No signs of forced entry could be located. The items stolen included a stove, dishwasher, bathroom vanity, and kitchen cabinets. The time frame is unknown and the management company indicated that the property may have been removed by the prior tenants. The total amount of theft is estimated at $2,000.

• Fraud – On Wednesday, February 5, 2014, at 9:47 a.m., Officer John Simonson responded to the Lacey Township Board of Education, 200 Western Boulevard in Lanoka Harbor, for a fraud report. The Business Administrator reported that an unknown person or persons identified themselves as a representative of the Lacey Township Board of Education and ordered 22 Dell laptop computers on January 16, 2014. The computers were to be delivered to location outside of Lacey Township. Detective Lieutenant Christopher Cornelius is investigating the matter.

Questionable Smartphone/Ipod Apps – The Lacey Township Police Department recently received information concerning Smartphone/Ipod Applications (APP’s) that may be inappropriate for children. The APP’s appear to be marketed to children/young users and contain an allegedly interactive, animated animal on the main screen. However, users have reported that the “interactive cartoon animal” has been prompting young children for personal information and has been responding verbally to users with inappropriate and offensive comments. These APP’s may also have the ability to engage the devices wireless capabilities including the camera feature to obtain involuntary photographs of users. All of this may be occurring without the knowledge of the user(s).

The Lacey Township Police Department is continuing to investigate this matter. Parents are urged to exercise extreme caution in allowing young children to access APP’s, websites, chat rooms, or other forums while unsupervised. Even applications that appear to be harmless or intended for children have the potential for misuse; therefore, the use of cell phone applications by children should be thoroughly explored and supervised by parents. Parents should also remain vigilant in discussing with their children the importance of not sharing personal information, names, photos, etc., via the Internet or other wireless devices.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Computer Crimes Unit, has been notified of the concern.

Drug Transaction – Heroin Arrest – On Wednesday, February 5, 2014, at 9:45 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey, while traveling north on Deerhead Lake Drive, observed a pedestrian make a transaction with someone in a blue, older model Ford F-150 standard cab pick-up truck. The pedestrian quickly walked away heading east on Lakeside Drive South. Believing that he had just witnesses a CDS transaction, Officer Verwey approached the pedestrian on Lakeside Drive South at Edgewood Road. Officer Tsarnas arrived and assisted Officer Verwey. The adult male subject, identified as 42-year-old Joseph D. Negra of 1651 Joffrey Road in Forked River, was found to have an outstanding $500 warrant out of the Toms River Municipal Court. During the arrest at the scene on the outstanding warrant, Joseph Negra was caught trying to discard 5 bags of heroin.

Joseph D. Negra was charged with Possession of Heroin and lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of $10,000 bail.

The investigation is continuing into the identity of the occupants of the suspect vehicle involved in the drug transaction. Anyone with information regarding the suspect vehicle and its possible involvement in the distribution of Heroin is asked to call Officer Michael Verwey at 609.693.6636 x2598 or submit an anonymous crime tip through the police department website at www.laceypd.org/crime-tips/.