Stafford Township, NJ - On Friday, December 12th, 2025, at approximately 6:30 PM, the Stafford Township Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) began conducting surveillance inside the Kohl’s located at 205 Route 72 in Manahawkin on a known shoplifter from previous incidents identified as 61-year-old Richard Montanelli of West Bay Avenue in Barnegat. During surveillance, Detective Jackman Bush observed Montanelli cutting security tags off various items. Montanelli proceeded to exit the Kohl’s concealing various items without paying. Montanelli was stopped by the DEU and patrol officers. 

In addition, Montanelli’s getaway vehicle was also located and stopped in the Kohl’s parking lot. The driver of the getaway vehicle was identified as 21-year-old Benjamin Monteiro-Brown of Adams Avenue in Toms River. While speaking with Monteiro-Brown it was discovered that various items from The Home Depot located at 197 Route 72 in Manahawkin were located in the backseat of his vehicle. A search of the vehicle produced various items stolen from The Home Depot. 

Ultimately, Montanelli was charged with 2C:20-11B(1) Shoplifting (3rd degree crime), 2C:20-11B(1) Shoplifting (4th degree crime), 2C:20-11B(2) Shoplifting/Concealing (4th degree crime), 2C:20-11B(3) Shoplifting/Altering Price (4th degree crime), and 2C:20-11F Possession of Antishoplifting Control Device (Disorderly persons offense). 

Monteiro-Brown was charged with 2C:5-2A(1) Conspiracy To Commit Shoplifting (3rd degree crime) and 2C:5-2A(1) Conspiracy to Commit Shoplifting (4th degree crime). 

After being processed at Stafford Township Police Department, Montanelli and Monteiro-Brown were issued complaint summonses and released with a future court appearance scheduled at the Ocean County Superior Court. 

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.