Toms River North Football Player, 2 Others Charged In Robbery, Fourth Man Sought: Police

Toms River, NJ -- A Toms River North football star and two 17-year-olds have been arrested, and a fourth man is being sought in connection with the robbery and assault of another Toms River man in Winteringham Village, Toms River police said Thursday.

Asante Moorer, 18, of Toms River, a senior at Toms River High School North who was the main running back last fall for the 11-1 Mariners, has been charged with receiving stolen property, Toms River Police Department spokesman Ralph Stocco said. Moorer is accused of taking possession of money after the two 17-year-olds robbed the 23-year-old victim, Stocco said.

The fourth man, Jorge Ratliff, 24, remains at large, Stocco said. Ratliff has ties to Toms River and New Brunswick, he said. Ratliff is charged with second-degree robbery and is wanted on a warrant with bail set at $50,000, Stocco said.

The robbery happened June 1, Stocco said. The victim told police he was near the basketball courts in the apartment complex when he was grabbed from behind and held while he was repeatedly punched in the face, Stocco said. 

The victim lost consciousness for a short period of time, and when he awoke, the suspects were going through his pants pockets and backpack, he told police. The suspects then fled with the victim's wallet and cell phone, Stocco said.

Three suspects were located by officers a short time later at the Hampton Garden Apartments at 26 James St., Stocco said.

The two 17-year-olds, whose names were not released, were charged with second-degree robbery, and one was charged with possession of marijuana, Stocco said. The juveniles were charged and released to their parents, and Moorer was released on bail, Stocco said.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ratliff is urged to notify the police at (732) 349- 0150. 

(Asante Moorer, on the sidelines of the 2014 Toms River North-Toms River South football game, by Karen Wall. Jorge Ratliff photo via Toms River Police Department)