Stafford Township, NJ – On December 31, 2025, at approximately 3 PM, patrol units were dispatched to ShopRite for a report of shoplifting. The loss prevention employee advised officers that a male subject left the store on foot after being confronted by staff for stealing merchandise. Patrol units later identified Ernest J. Spitzer Jr. of Lamson Road in Manahawkin as the suspect. He was later located at his residence where he was placed under arrest for shoplifting approximately $87 worth of merchandise from ShopRite. Ernest was transported to the Stafford Township Police Department, where he was processed, charged with Shoplifting 2C:20-11, and released with a criminal complaint summons to appear in Stafford Township Municipal Court. Patrolman T. Caporrino was the arresting officer, assisted by Patrolman P. Walker.  

As a reminder, the Stafford Township Police Department does not release arrest photos of defendants. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.