Freehold Man Charged With Theft, Drug Possession After Lakewood Cell Phone Probe

LAKEWOOD, NJ — A Freehold man faces theft and narcotics charges after Lakewood police identified him as the suspect in a cell phone theft at a local business earlier this month, authorities said.

Nicholas Shapiro, 33, was taken into custody Friday on an outstanding warrant with assistance from the Tinton Falls Police Department, the Lakewood Police Department said.

During the intake process at Ocean County Jail, corrections officers recovered a quantity of suspected cocaine from Shapiro's possession, leading to additional narcotics charges, authorities said.

Detectives had linked Shapiro to the theft through investigative work before the arrest, according to police.

Chief Gregory H. Meyer credited the outcome to interagency cooperation. "This arrest is the result of excellent police work and strong cooperation between our law enforcement partners," Meyer said. "We remain committed to investigating crimes thoroughly and holding offenders accountable."

The investigation remains ongoing. Charges are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com