Cops: Local Man Admits to 15 Burglaries, Thefts From Brick Business

A Toms River man caught by Brick police early Wednesday morning admitted to officers that he burglarized and stole from a township business 15 times, police said.

Timothy D. Barnett, 42, of Niagara Drive, was taken into custody by police after officers John Rotondo and James Iannarone were called to investigate a suspicious vehicle parked near Hooper Avenue and F Street around 2 a.m.

The officers, searching for the vehicle's owner, paid special attention to the area around the Berry Fresh Farms store, which has been burglarized numerous times dating back to March 2012, Sgt. Henry Drew said.

Eventually, the officers located Barnett in the area of the 2200 block of Hooper Avenue, at which time he was found to be moving "several large items" around the driveway of a residence, Drew said.

During the conversation that ensued between Barnett and the officers, Barnett lied about his name and why he was at the residence, Drew said, and attempted to flee the scene. He was placed into custody near the rear of the residence, said Drew.

After placing him into custody, a hand truck and two large pieces of decorative stone were recovered by the officers, and Barnett was taken to Brick police headquarters where he was interviewed by Detective Daniel Waleski in reference to the Berry Fresh Farms incidents.

During the interview, Drew said, Barnett admitted to 15 total burglaries and thefts which dated back to March 2012.

"In addition, Barnett admitted that the items in his possession during this incident were taken from Berry Fresh Farms," said Drew.

Police say the value of the items stolen in all of the incidents is approximately $10,000.

Barnett was charged with theft and hindering his own apprehension. Bail was set by Municipal Court Judge Robert Lepore at $25,000 cash, and Barnett was lodged in the Ocean County Jail, in lieu of bail. A check of jail records Wednesday afternoon indicated that Barnett was not an inmate, however.

Further charges are anticipated against Barnett after the case is reviewed by the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, Drew said.

Anyone who feels they may have additional information in reference to the case is being asked to contact Waleski in the Brick Police Detective Bureau at 732-262-1170.