Manalapan Police Blotter

Manalapan police are investigating several reports of fraud, including one in which a woman reported that her Groupon account was accessed by someone, and another in which a man said a fake PayPal account was created in his name.

Police also recently arrested defendants on drug charges, and took a report from a woman who says her neighbor is poisoning her plants, authorities said.

According to a news release from Deputy Chief Michael Fountain:

Aug. 8

Around 6:20 p.m. Officer Bart Mattaliano conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Pension Road and Ronald Court. The driver, Felix Rivera, 26, of Philadelphia, was found to be operating a vehicle while in possession of under 50 grams of marijuana. Rivera was arrested, processed and released on a summons. The case is pending court. Officer Bart Mattaliano handled the arrest.

Aug. 7

Around 8:12 p.m., a 62-year-old Manalapan woman reported fraudulent activity on her credit card. The Manalapan resident related her “Groupon” account was accessed and used to fraudulently purchase items totaling at $152.14. The initial investigation is being handled by Officer Chris Oleksy. Any persons with similar fraudulent activity are encouraged to contact police.

Around 4:50 p.m., a 40-year-old Manalapan man responded to headquarters to report a theft of jewelry worth $670. The victim related he purchased jewelry on E-bay and upon receiving the package in the mail, it was empty. The victim also noted the package was not opened prior to delivery. Officer Matt Porricelli handled the report.

At 8:15 a.m. the victim, a 42-year-old Manalapan woman, reported that someone damaged her pool sometime during the overnight hours. The incident was handled by Officer Jeff Emslie.


At 12:35 a.m. Officer Joseph DeFilippis conducted a motor vehicle stop on Old Queens Boulevard, near Pease Road. Investigation determined the driver, Megan Greene, 22, of Manalapan, and the passenger, Jillian Welch, 23, of Manalapan, were in possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Both were placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing. Both were released on summonses and have mandatory Manalapan Township Municipal Court dates.

Aug. 6

Around 5:16 p.m. a 68-year-old Manalapan man reported a fraudulent PayPal account was created in his name. According to the victim, an unknown actor created a PayPal Credit account in his name and purchased a laptop in the amount of $500. The fraudulent account was closed, and PayPal advised the victim that he will not be responsible for the cost of the laptop. Any person who has any information about this incident should contact this agency. Officer Jared Coupland is handling the investigation.

Aug. 5

At 2:20 p.m. a 54-year-old Manalapan woman responded to Manalapan Police Department to report credit card fraud. She related that someone used her debit card information to make several unauthorized purchases totaling over $3,450. The incident is under investigation by Officer Jeff Emslie.

At 10:06 a.m. the victim, a 73-year-old Manalapan man, responded to Manalapan Police Department to report credit card fraud. He related that someone used his debit card information and made several unauthorized purchases totaling over $800. The incident is under investigation by Officer Jeff Emslie.

Aug. 3

Around 5:52 p.m., a 50-year-old Manalapan woman reported her 60-year-old neighbor has been harassing her and purposely poisoning her landscaping on her property. The victim relates she observed her neighbor poison her landscaping. Officer Christopher Makwinski handled the report.

Around 4:30 p.m., a 29-year-old Manalapan man responded to headquarters to report that fraudulent charges were made with his bank debit card. Officer Matthew Mattia handled the report.