SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — A Somerset teenager has been charged in connection with a home invasion burglary in Bridgewater Township and two home burglaries in Bernards Township and Green Brook Township.
Mohamadu J. Betts, 18, of Somerset, was charged with first-degree home invasion burglary, two counts of second-degree burglary, two counts of third-degree theft, third-degree criminal mischief and fourth-degree criminal mischief.
Betts was identified as the suspect in all three burglaries after a joint investigation by the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Burglary Task Force and police in Bernards, Green Brook and Bridgewater, said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald.
The first reported burglary happened Oct. 19 at about 9:32 p.m. on Whitenack Road in Basking Ridge.
A resident returned home and found a shattered basement window, possible blood droplets, and the home ransacked, said McDonald.
The resident reported that a jewelry box containing costume jewelry was taken.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed a suspect with short blonde and brown dreadlocks.
The second case was reported Oct. 22 in Green Brook Township.
Police were first called at about 2:21 p.m. to Warrenville Road for a report of a suspicious man trying to gain entry through the front door of a home.
The same person was also reported sitting across the street from the house for an extended period of time.
Officers did not find the suspect, but at about 3 p.m. police received another call that the man had returned and entered the home through an unlocked window.
The resident reported that costume jewelry and $800 in cash were taken.
The third incident was reported Oct. 29 at about 9:55 a.m. on Chimney Rock Road in Bridgewater Township.
A 911 call reported a home invasion and spoke with a victim who had a cut to her wrist, according to the prosecutor's office.
The victim reported that the suspect assaulted her and took her phone to prevent her from calling 911 before stealing jewelry valued at about $2,850 and fleeing on a dirt bike-style e-bike.
The victim was treated for her injuries.
On Nov. 4, detectives from the county burglary task force and members of the Bernards Township, Green Brook Township, Bridgewater and Edison police departments arrested Betts without incident in Edison.
Betts was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a court hearing.
Anyone with information about these burglaries or related burglaries is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Burglary Unit at 908-231-7100 or through the STOPit app.
Tips can also be submitted through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers' Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477).
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