Trio Arrested In Manchester Burglary Spree

Two men from Lakehurst and a Toms River man have been arrested in connection with a string of burglaries in the Leisure Knoll and River Pointe communities in the last few weeks, Manchester police said Tuesday.

Kevin M. Monahan, 19, of Union Avenue, Lakehurst; Justin C. Hall, 27, of Manapaqua Avenue, Lakehurst, and Frederick C. Monahan, 33, of Serine Street, Toms River, are facing multiple counts of burglary, conspiracy, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, fencing, possession of heroin, and possession of drug paraphernalia and hypodermic syringes, Manchester Lt. Vincent Manco said.

Between November and December, more than a half-dozen burglaries and attempted burglaries have occurred in Leisure Knoll and River Pointe. All burglaries occurred with forced entry to either a door or window while the homeowners were not at home. The homes were ransacked and various pieces of jewelry, collectibles and cash were taken, Manco said.

The trio was arrested recently by Detectives Christopher Hemhauser and Danny Barker and found to be in possession of items taken in the most recent burglary, which took place on Gladstone Avenue in Leisure Knoll. Detective Adam Guker assisted in charging the trio, Manco said.

The detectives are currently in the process of returning the recovered property to its owners, Manco said.

Kevin M. Monahan and Frederick C. Monahan are awaiting trial in connection with the Crestwood and Whiting burglaries which occurred in November and December 2013.

All three men were lodged in Ocean County Jail. Bail was set at $35,000, no 10 percent on Kevin M. Monahan, $22,500 no 10 percent on Justin C. Hall and $7,500 no 10 percent on Frederick C. Monahan.

Assisting with the investigation were the Manchester Township Police Patrol and Investigations Bureaus, Ocean County Sheriff Department’s Crime Scene Investigations Unit and K-9 Unit.

Although the most recent burglars have been arrested, residents are reminded to immediately report suspicious people and activity to Manchester Police by calling 732-657-6111. Also, anonymous tips not requiring an immediate police response can be placed on the Manchester Police website at www.manchesterpolicenj.com by clicking on the “Tip Line” link.