Hainseport, N.J.- The New Jersey State Police have arrested William Clifford, 34 of Maple Shade, N.J. for allegedly burglarizing a home in Burlington County after detectives used DNA evidence to link him to the scene of the crime.
On February 3, troopers from the Troop ‘C’ Bordentown station began investigating a burglary that occurred at a residence on New Jersey Avenue in Hainesport, Burlington County. When troopers arrived, they discovered that copper piping was removed from the basement.
During the investigation, troopers observed the suspect left saliva on the stairs leading down to the basement where the copper piping was removed. Detectives from Troop ‘C’ Crime Scene Investigations Unit processed the scene for evidence and obtained a DNA sample from the saliva. When the sample was uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), which is a national DNA collection database, it resulted in a positive match for Clifford.
On February 15, Clifford arrived at Bordentown Station where detectives executed a search warrant for his DNA. They obtained a sample by using a buccal swab, which collects DNA from cells on the inside of a person’s cheek, and submitted it for forensic analysis. This sample, along with various other investigative techniques employed by detectives, provided corroborating evidence that Clifford was the suspect and he was arrested without incident.
William Clifford was charged with burglary, criminal trespass, theft, and fencing. He was lodged in the Burlington County Jail pending a detention hearing.
This case is being prosecuted by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.