Burglar Set Free Twice in One Week Under New Jersey Bail Reform Law

Shore News Network

SOUTH PLAINFIELD-The fast revolving door of New Jersey’s new criminal justice system was well oiled last week in South Plainfield where a man was set free twice over a three day span after committing burglaries.

The following report was published by the South Plainfield Police Department:

On Friday, January 13th 2017 at about 12:30pm, South Plainfield Police responded to a residence on May Ave. for a reported burglary in progress.

Upon arrival, Officers located a male on the property of the residence. Investigation revealed the male, Dawud Ward, 23 of 1135 Hillside Ave in Plainfield, unlawfully entered the unoccupied home. Ward was in possession of burglar tools, gloves and a garbage bag. Ward drove to the location in a family member’s vehicle, which was towed from the scene by police.


Ward was placed under arrest and charged with Criminal Attempt, Burglary, Possession of Burglar Tools, 4 Counts of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Ward was brought to the Middlesex County Correctional Center after his arrest.

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In compliance with the newly implemented Bail Reform Act which took effect January 1st, 2017, Ward was arraigned in Middlesex County Superior Court on January 17th. During the arraignment, The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office filed a motion to keep Ward detained in the County Jail. The Superior Court Judge denied the motion and released Ward at the objection of the County Prosecutor.

After being released by Middlesex County Superior Court, Ward was arrested by the Cranford Police on January 20th after he was caught in the act committing yet another residential burglary. Ward was transported to the Union County Jail after that arrest.

On Saturday, January 21st, Ward was again released from Union County Jail after his arraignment in Union County Superior Court pursuant to the new Bail Reform Act.

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