Stafford Cops Charge Barnegat Man For Tipping Off Township Man About Undercover Probe

by Patricia A. Miller

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.

The first 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.

If the name Steven Sheerer sounds familiar, Sheerer is the father of Steven Sheerer - who was arrested in connection with the disappearance of Rosie O‘Donnell‘s daughter, Fritz confirmed.

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