Vandalism, Graffiti Leads To Charges Against Basking Ridge Teen: Cops

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A Basking Ridge teen is among three Somerset County teenagers to be charged in connection with numerous acts of vandalism that occurred in Middlesex on July 21.

A 15-year-old Green Brook resident was charged with criminal mischief, conspiracy and trespassing; a 14-year-old Green Brook resident was charged with conspiracy and trespassing; and a 15-year-old Basking Ridge resident was charged with conspiracy, announced Middlesex Police Chief Matthew P. Geist.

On July 21 at 8:30 p.m., officers went to the area of Green Brook Road for a report of three juveniles vandalizing street signs. Officer Marc Arancio investigated and found that a total of seven street signs in the area contained fresh graffiti.

On July 22, at 12:05 p.m., Officer April Menditto went to the SuperFood Fresh Supermarket at 738 Union Avenue and investigated a report of graffiti on an outside meat refrigerator and on an additional street sign. Menditto determined that this was related to the incident from the previous evening, said Geist.

Detective Scott Mulford conducted a follow-up investigation and learned that on July 21 two of the three juveniles went onto the roof of the Dunkin’ Donuts at 580 Union Ave. and defaced both the roof and the store’s HVAC system, said Geist.

Working with the Green Brook Police Department and the Warren Township Police Department, Mulford was able to identify the suspects.

A total of $3,965.00 in property damage was reported.

"The support of our Mayor and governing body in the effort to return our department to full staffing has also reinvigorated our Investigations Division. This allowed Detective Mulford, supported by our other detectives and our active and visible patrol force, to aggressively investigate these offenses that are a degradation to the quality of life in our town," said Geist. "Our mission is to serve our community and support their quality of life; these are the things that make Middlesex Borough a great place to live and work."

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Mulford at 732-356-1900 ext. 359.

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