Lacey Resident Scammed Out Of 100K: Lacey Police Blotter

Editor's Note: One or more names in this report have been redacted in light of additional documentation provided regarding this case.

LACEY, NJ — A Lacey resident reported being scammed out of $100,000 and multiple shoplifting incidents occurred at Walmart, according to the Lacey Township Police Blotter for June 17 through June 23.

Fraud: On Friday, June 17, 2022, at 10:21 a.m., Officer Slota responded to police headquarters for a fraud report. Officer Slota met with the victim who stated they befriended a man several years ago, while on a social media website. The victim stated the suspect identified himself a member of the military, stationed in Afghanistan. The victim stated over a period of time, they sent approximately $100,000.00 to the unknown subject. The victim stated they sent the money using pre-paid cards and bitcoin. It was not until recently that the victim realize it was a scam.

Shoplifting: On Friday, June 17, 2022, at 5:15 p.m., Officer Hyle responded to Walmart for a report of a shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival officers met with the associate manager who advised officers that Michael Mennicucci, 36, of Bayville, NJ, attempted to steal $30.86 worth of merchandise from the store. Mennicucci was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters, where he was processed. Mennicucci was charged with shoplifting and was later transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility without incident.

(name removed)

Criminal Mischief: On Monday, June, 20, 2022, at 9:09 a.m., Officer Hutman responded to the Education Academy for damage to a shed. It was reported to Officer Hutman that sometime between June 17, 2022 and June 20, 2022, unknown person(s) damaged a shed located on the property. The damage to the shed was estimated at $500.00.

Criminal Mischief: On Monday, June 20, 2022, at 8:31 p.m., while SLEO II Lepeshko was closing the bathrooms at Gille Park, near the lacrosse fields, he observed damage to a stall door in the women’s bathroom. The damage was estimated at $100.00.