Between late December and early January of 2023, the Stafford Township Police Department received multiple reports of burglary and theft at five different residences on Jennings Road.
The preliminary investigation revealed residences to be
ransacked, with multiple pieces of property stolen, including flat screen televisions, power tools, hand tools, other miscellaneous electronics and food items. Some of the seasonal residences also appeared to have been unlawfully occupied in the owner’s absence, for an extended period of time.
On January 8, 2024, Stafford Township Police received an additional call in reference to a burglary in progress at a residence on Jennings Road. Patrol officers immediately responded, at which time they encountered a 24-year old male subject, identified as Gerardo Antonio Hernandez-Martinez. Hernadez-Martinez was arrested and charged with Criminal Trespassing, Burglary, and Theft. Martinez was transported to Ocean County Jail, however due to Bail Reform was released shortly after pending a future court appearance.
On January 12, 2024, this agency received an additional call from a resident on Jennings Road, located across the street from the previous incidents of burglary and theft. This new report of burglary, along with the continued investigation conducted by the Stafford Township Detective Bureau, resulted in connecting these crimes to the previously reported incidents, and committed by the defendant. Multiple stolen items from the previous burglaries were recovered, and returned back to their rightful owners.
On January 12, 2024, Hernandez-Martinez was located at his place of employment in Forked River, New Jersey. He was arrested and charged with two additional counts of Burglary, one count of Theft, and one count of Criminal Mischief. Hernandez-Martinez was transported and lodged at the Ocean County Jail, pending a future court appearance.
As a reminder, the Stafford Township Police Department does not release arrest photos of defendants, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Stafford Township Police would like to remind residents to immediately report any suspicious activity to police by calling 911 or our Dispatch Center at 597-8581. Stafford Police relies on the public to be our eyes and ears. In this case, the victims reported the crimes immediately and cooperated with law enforcement, which ultimately led to the suspect being arrested, charged, and lodged in the Ocean County Jail. Great job by all involved!