Porch Pirates, Disorderly Persons, Warrant Arrests In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Porch pirates and arrests for disorderly persons and active warrants were among the incidents reported in the December Bernards Township Police Department(BTPD) blotter.

During the month of December, BTPD officers responded to 30 motor vehicle crashes. There were two injuries reported, and 11 motor vehicle summonses were issued.

On Dec. 2 at 3:03 p.m.: Officer Kyle McCartney was patrolling on Interstate 78 East near Martinsville Road when he saw a vehicle with multiple equipment violations. McCartney conducted a motor vehicle stop and was met with driver Scarone Dmeza, 29, out of Elizabeth. After a brief investigation, McCartney discovered she had an active warrant out of Roselle Borough. Scarone was detained on scene and Roselle Court was contacted. Scarone was released from the scene with a new pending court date.

On Dec. 3: Patrol responded to police headquarters for a resident reporting fraudulent withdrawals from his cryptocurrency account. The victim stated he had several thousands of dollars withdrawn from his digital cryptocurrency account that they did not authorize. The victim was provided an initial fraud packet questionnaire, and this case is under investigation by the Detective Bureau.

On Dec. 4: Warren Township Police advised dispatch that they had Edward L. Iannacone, 60, out of Bernards Township in custody on two Bernards Township municipal warrants. After the warrants were confirmed Officer Mojica and Corporal Albanese responded to Warren Police headquarters and took Iannacone to Somerset County Jail.

On Dec. 9: Patrol responded to the area of Meeker Road for an attempted motor vehicle theft. Once on scene patrol spoke to the homeowner and the homeowner stated that three men in dark clothing driving a white crossover were attempting to break into their vehicle parked in their driveway and their home. While investigating on scene the homeowner's vehicle was entered by the actors via the doors being unlocked. Also, it was discovered that the home’s garage window had been pried open by one of the actors. The homeowner stated that nothing was missing at this time. This case is currently under investigation by the detective bureau.

On Dec. 6: A resident came into police headquarters to report a theft of her Amazon package. The victim stated that she ordered several items from Amazon and the package was left at her front door. The victim stated that when they returned home to their package, the box was opened, and all the contents were missing. If anyone has any information or witnesses any suspicious activity, report it to the Bernards Township Police Department.

On Dec. 11: Patrol responded to the Courtyard by Marriot at 595 Martinsville Road for a report of trespassing. After patrol spoke with hotel staff, they were able to locate the party in question who was still on hotel property. Patrol explained to the party that the hotel management no longer wants them on their property and that they were no longer allowed to stay there, and if they returned, they were subject to arrest. The party was then released from the scene.

On Dec. 14: Corporal Zolnierowski was patrolling Interstate 78 East when he saw a black Dodge pickup truck with several equipment violations. Zolnierowski conducted a motor vehicle stop on the truck and was met with driver and registered owner Steven Lewis, 49, out of Paterson. After a brief investigation it was discovered that Lewis had a warrant for his arrest out of Belleville. Lewis was arrested on scene and Belleville Township Court was contacted. Lewis was then released from police custody pending a new court date.

On Dec. 15: A felony vehicle was located in the area of Allen Rd that was involved in a shooting in North Brunswick. Marked patrol units located the vehicle on Allen Road in the area of the Highlands Mall. All suspects inside the vehicle were detained and brought to North Brunswick Police Department for questioning.

On Dec. 17: Bay Gabriel,56, out of Milltown, was arrested by Bernards Detective Phil Jasina and Detectives from the Middlesex and Somerset County Prosecutors Office. This arrest was in connection with several commercial burglaries that occurred on Dec. 16 at the Riverwalk Shopping Center.

On Dec. 17: Patrol responded to the area of Crown Court for a report of a theft. Upon arrival at the scene, the victim stated they ordered a package from Amazon. The victim described the actor as a white man wearing a white workout Puma sweatshirt (short sleeve), blue jeans, and a hat pulled down to cover the subject's face. If anyone has any information, contact the Bernards Township Police Department. This case is currently under investigation by the detective bureau.

On Dec. 21: Patrol responded to Stop and Shop at 553 South Finley Ave. on a report of a disorderly person. After patrol investigated the scene and gathered information from employees, Catherine Moffat, 60, out of Basking Ridge was removed from the property and was subsequently charged with disorderly conduct.

On Dec. 22: Officer Tyler Widitz conducted a motor vehicle stop on a Tesla CyberTruck for a
moving violation at Lake Road and S Finley Avenue. Widitz was met with driver Jennifer Barry,
37, out of Basking Ridge. After a brief investigation, Barry was found to have an active warrant for her arrest out of Scotch Plains Township. Barry was able to post bail and was released from police custody with a new pending court date.

On Dec. 20: Patrol responded to 120 Mountain Blvd. for a report of a commercial burglary. Once on scene patrol met with staff and they informed patrol that several items were moved, vandalized and missing. After canvassing the area and surrounding buildings patrol was able to acquire camera footage from a potential female actor. This case is under investigation by the detective bureau.

On Dec. 30: Patrol responded to the area of Penns Way for a suspicious female. The caller advised us that the female was filming pedestrians and yelling at the caller. Once patrol arrived on scene, they identified the female as Catherine Moffat, 60, out of Basking Ridge. After a brief investigation Moffat was found to have two active warrants for her arrest out of Bernards Township for prior incidents. Moffat was placed under arrest and taken to Somerset County Jail awaiting her hearing.

"The Bernard’s Township Police would like to continue to remind everyone to report suspicious activity observed by calling 908-766-1122. Please keep vehicles locked, without the keys in them and valuables out of sight. Please confirm all suspicious calls/emails/texts/messages requesting monetary payments with law enforcement or banking officials before sending funds," said police.

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