Stolen U-Haul Found In Manahawkin Plaza, 3 Charged: Police

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — A routine property check at the ShopRite Plaza in Manahawkin early March 7 led Stafford Township police to a reported stolen U-Haul truck and charges against three people, according to the Stafford Township Police Department.

Police reported that Patrolman Ryan Cahill was checking the plaza at 733 Route 72 West at about 3:48 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, when he saw a U-Haul box truck parked in the lot with two people inside. The driver was identified by police as Dominic A. Joa, of Washington Street in Toms River, and the passenger was identified as Elizabeth I. Depasquale, of Oak Lane in Little Egg Harbor. Police said both were asleep in the passenger compartment.

Further investigation showed the U-Haul had been reported stolen out of Toms River, according to police. While officers were at the scene, police said they found a third person, Shane M. Taggart, of Lakewood Avenue in Ocean Gate, hiding in the rear cargo area of the truck. Taggart was also found to have an active NCIC warrant issued by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office for weapons offenses, as well as a warrant from Lacey Township Municipal Court for contempt, according to police.

As a result of the investigation, police charged Depasquale with third-degree receiving stolen property and hindering by providing aid, a disorderly persons offense. Police reported that she was released on a summons pending a future court appearance.

Police charged Taggart with third-degree receiving stolen property. He was lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing, according to police. Joa was also charged with third-degree receiving stolen property under and was lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing, police said.

Police reported that on March 9, 2026, a court-authorized search warrant was executed on the U-Haul. As a result of that search, police additionally charged Joa with fourth-degree receiving stolen property, fourth-degree forgery, and fourth-degree criminal attempt. According to police, those additional charges stem from possession of a stolen check and an attempt to fraudulently cash it.