Cops: Father Of Barnegat Man Connected To Rosie O'Donnell's Daughter Disappearance Arrested

The father of a Barnegat man connected to the disappearance of Rosie O’Donnell’s daughter has been arrested.

Stafford police have arrested a Barnegat man and charged him with hindering apprehension after he tipped off a Stafford man his business activity was under investigation, Patrolman Christopher Fritz said.

Steven Sheerer, 51, Village Drive, Barnegat, was also charged with conspiracy to commit possession of a controlled dangerous substance, he said.

Sheerer is the father of Steven Sheerer - who was arrested in connection with the disappearance of Rosie O‘Donnell‘s daughter, and had been convicted on prior drug charges, Fritz confirmed.

This latest arrest was in connection to a seven-month undercover operation resulting in Dennis Ayala being arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, pawnbroker selling firearms, and possession of CDS (anabolic steroids), police have said.

The investigation revealed that Ayala was ordering anabolic steroids on the internet and having them mailed via United States Postal Service to his business Shore Discount Furniture and Bedding/Shore Gold and Pawn located on East Bay Ave in Stafford Township.

An ongoing criminal investigation revealed Sheerer - who works at the U.S. Post Office in Manahawkin - became aware of Ayala’s address being flagged for suspicion of illegal activity and warned Ayala. The investigation also revealed that Sheerer was aware of Ayala’s drug trafficking activity via USPS and facilitated this activity, Fritz said.

Anyone with additional information please contact Detective Stephen Fessler - at 609-597-1189 ext. 8447.

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato last month announced the arrest of the suspect’s son, Steven M. Sheerer, 25, also of Village Drive, Barnegat, on both third-degree charges. Sheerer faces more than five years in state prison if convicted of both charges.

Chelsea O’Donnell met Steve Sheerer through the online dating app Tinder. She was found at a Village Drive house with Sheerer Tuesday night in the attic with her therapy dog, Bear, according to Barnegat police. Her mother reported that she was missing earlier.

Earlier this month, a judge approved a request from O’Donnell‘s daughter to lift a no-contact order with Sheerer, who was accused of sending her nude photos.

Pictured: Chelsea O’Donnell