Stafford Township, NJ - On February 25th, 2026 at approximately 7:10 PM, the Stafford Township Police Department received a report of a theft of a package valued at approximately $160. The victim advised the package was sent to his previous address on Main Street in Manahawkin and the landlord, Dennis E. Leary (73 years old of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland), was withholding the package from the victim.

Officers responded to the address to facilitate the exchange; however, Leary refused to return the package to the victim.  Ultimately, Leary was charged with one count of Theft of Mislaid or Delivered Property (2C:20-6A).  He was issued a special complaint summons, to appear in Stafford Township Municipal Court.  Patrolman Justin Barbuto was the investigating officer. 

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.