Man Claiming to be Real Estate Buyer from Lakewood Charged with Trespassing

Phil Stilton

TOMS RIVER-Less than one week after Toms River Township officials passed a cease and desist order against aggressive real estate agents from Lakewood Township, police here say they have arrested a man for trespassing after entering a foreclosed home.

On Wednesday, the day after the cease and desist order was enacted, numerous township police officers responded to a home on Crystal Mile Court in reference to a burglary in progress.

The residence lies just south of the Lakewood border and within the cease and desist zone.

“It was reported that a lone man was seen entering the home through a window. Upon arrival a secure perimeter was set up,” said Ralph Stocco of the Toms River Police Department.  “Officers were observing through the open window and eventually saw the man emerge from the basement. He was then taken into custody. The man, Israel Feldbrand, initially claimed that an associate of his had told him that he owned the residence and that Feldbrand could go view it as a potential property to purchase. Feldbrand later stated that this man may work for a real estate company and the home may be in foreclosure.”


Stocco said investigating officers could not verify the legitimacy of Mr. Feldbrand claims and he was subsequently placed under arrest.

Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher stated, “The arrest of Mr. Feldbrand is further proof of the type of conduct taking place in Toms River by unscrupulous individuals and realtors. This type of behavior will not be tolerated and is added justification for the cease and desist ordinance unanimously approved by the Township Council on Tuesday, February 23, 2016.”

Council President Brian Kubiel adds that “This is the kind of behavior our residents have repeatedly complained about which is the reason the cease and desist ordinance was enacted. Residents should remain vigilant about the safety and security of their residences and report any suspicious activity to the Police.”

Israel Feldbrand, 36, of Twin Oaks Drive in Lakewood, was arrested at the scene and then transported to police headquarters for processing. He was charged with one count of criminal trespass and released pending a future court date.

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