Search Results for: vehicle theft
Former church official charged with stealing more than $500,000
Former church official charged with stealing more than $500,000
TRENTON, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that Joseph A. Manzi, a former officer at the Church of Saint Leo the Great in Lincroft, has been charged with theft by unlawful taking. The charge comes after allegations that Manzi embezzled over $500,000 from the church.
Manzi, 78, of Atlantic Highlands, is accused of using church funds for personal purchases. Attorney General Platkin stated that the defendant is alleged to have “used his position of trust to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from the church.”
The complaint details that Manzi’s actions were not for basic needs but for a “more lavish lifestyle.” Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, Theresa L. Hilton, emphasized that church members who donated funds expected their contributions to be used appropriately.
Manzi served as the director of finance, operations, and development at St. Leo until his employment ended on approximately June 26. The review of the church’s credit card statements revealed unauthorized charges linked to Manzi.
Investigators discovered that he allegedly utilized the church’s credit accounts for more than $300,000 in unauthorized purchases. Additionally, he is accused of diverting over $200,000 in cash from the church for personal use between January 2019 and May 2025.
Items purchased with the stolen funds reportedly include luxury clothing, vehicle repairs, and tickets to sports events. Manzi allegedly maintained sole control of the church’s credit cards, which were in his name.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Conner Ouellette. Charges of this nature are serious, with second-degree theft carrying a potential sentence of five to ten years in state prison.
Manzi faces legal consequences for his alleged actions, leaving church members in disbelief.
Boston crime report reveals spike in violence over 24-hour period
Crime report reveals spike in violence over 24-hour period
BOSTON, MA – A recent crime report details various incidents that occurred over a 24-hour period beginning Tuesday at 10 AM and concluding Wednesday at 10 AM. The report highlights a total of one homicide, one robbery, and eight aggravated assaults.
In addition to the violent crimes, the report indicated six residential burglaries. There were also two instances of larceny from a vehicle and 21 cases of other larceny.
Auto theft cases were reported at two during the specified period. There were no incidents of commercial burglary or other burglary types reported.
The information provided is preliminary and should not be regarded as official crime statistics. It is based on an initial review of incident reports and may not represent a comprehensive listing of events.
The public can access the full journal of arrests by following the provided link. The data may not be a statistical analysis but an initial count of significant events.
Boston continues to monitor crime trends as residents remain concerned about safety in their neighborhoods.
In light of these incidents, community discussions about crime prevention strategies are expected to increase.
Woman sentenced to decades in prison for murder and dismemberment
Woman sentenced to decades in prison for murder and dismemberment
ERIE, PA — A woman received a 40 to 80-year sentence for the murder and dismemberment of a 66-year-old man. Marisa Jean Rodriguez, 37, pleaded guilty to charges including third-degree murder and abuse of a corpse.
Rodriguez shot Michael Maisner in April 2023 and then used a chainsaw purchased with his money to dismember him. The incident came to light after Maisner’s family members visited his home and found Rodriguez living in his attic.
On Monday, a judge announced the sentence after reviewing the details of the case. “This is probably the worst series of facts I’ve probably ever heard in a courtroom,” said Erie County Judge Daniel J. Brabender Jr.
Initially charged with first-degree murder, Rodriguez struck a deal with prosecutors that led to downgraded charges. In addition to third-degree murder, she also pleaded guilty to charges of criminal mischief, possession of an instrument of a crime, theft, and tampering with evidence.
Rodriguez reportedly lived in Maisner’s attic for months before the murder. On April 12, 2023, when family members grew concerned, they discovered her in the home. Authorities later found evidence of the crime, including blood and human tissue, in the house and remains in a firepit.
The investigation linked Rodriguez to the crime through her searches that included phrases like “how to shoot someone” and “burn a body.” She was arrested the day after the murder while driving Maisner’s vehicle to New York.
Rodriguez had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was initially found incompetent to stand trial. Quotes from letters she wrote in custody indicate her mental state during the proceedings.
The disgraced woman brought a gruesome end to a life that her victim had hoped would offer companionship in his later years.
Two arrested in Dover burglary attempt
Two arrested in Dover burglary attempt
DOVER, DELAWARE – Two men were arrested early Monday morning for burglary-related charges. Daquan Nocks, 28, and Maleek Gamble, 31, both from Dover, were apprehended after a report of two suspects attempting to enter a residence.
At approximately 4:00 a.m. on Monday, troopers responded to the 400 block of Fork Branch Road. When they arrived, they discovered Nocks and Gamble standing outside the home’s garage. While investigating, troopers found that Nocks had provided false information and was in possession of items belonging to the homeowner taken from an unlocked vehicle.
Nocks was arrested and taken to Troop 9. He has been charged with burglary in the third degree, conspiracy in the second degree, theft under $1,500, and making a false statement. He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $4,000 secured bond.
Gamble was also taken to Troop 9 following his arrest. He faces charges of burglary in the third degree, conspiracy in the second degree, and theft under $1,500. Gamble was also arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 7 and is committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution with a secured bond of $3,500.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further details have not been released.
In a statement, authorities noted that Nocks provided false information while in possession of stolen property.
Both suspects are facing serious implications following the attempted burglary which has raised community concerns.
This burglary case underscores the ongoing efforts by local police to combat crime in the area.
Car burglar arrested after confrontation with resident
Vehicle burglar arrested after confrontation with resident
OAKLAND, NJ — A 37-year-old man has been arrested following a report of a burglary in progress early Monday morning. The incident occurred on Manito Avenue when a resident noticed an unknown male inside her vehicle.
After confronting the suspect, the individual fled the scene toward Iroquois Avenue. Officer Ed McDermott arrived at the scene within one minute, soon followed by Sergeant Jonathan Coleman, Officer Jacquelyn Jensen, and Officer Nicholas Maricich.
A Bergen County Sheriff’s Department K-9 team was requested to assist in the search. Franklin Lakes Police Department personnel also responded to the situation.
Prior to the deployment of the K-9 unit, Sergeant Coleman located a male matching the suspect’s description on Pawnee Avenue. Following further investigation, Peter Engel was arrested on several charges.
Engel faces four counts of third-degree burglary and one count of a disorderly persons offense for theft. Three active warrants were also discovered during the arrest.
Engel has since been transported to the Bergen County Jail for processing. The police issued a reminder on the importance of securing vehicles to prevent thefts and burglaries.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the Oakland Police Department.
Monday’s early morning confrontation led to a swift arrest of a suspected burglar in the community.
Fraud and larceny incidents reported in Stafford County
Fraud and larceny incidents reported in Stafford County
STAFFORD, VA – Law enforcement reported multiple fraud and larceny incidents in Stafford County over the past few days. The incidents were detailed in a daily incident report.
On Thursday, a fraud complaint was recorded on Brandice Street at 12:27 p.m. Deputy A. M. Pitts responded to the report, which involved an unknown individual opening an unauthorized credit card in the victim’s name.
Later that day at 4:30 p.m., a fraud complaint was filed on Oak Drive. Deputy C.T. Richardson conducted the investigation after the victim reported several fraudulent charges made on their credit card in the Richmond area. Authorities are continuing the investigation of this incident.
A separate larceny incident occurred at 7-11, located at 1947 Richmond Highway, at 7:48 a.m. Deputy C. S. Harding responded to the scene, where a subject had reportedly stolen two cartons of cigarettes. The theft was linked to prior thefts from other convenience stores in the area.
First Sergeant J. D. Floirendo developed a suspect vehicle description following investigative efforts. Shortly after, Deputy E. L. Jones located the vehicle and performed a traffic stop. The driver, Jesse Hardy, 36, of Richmond, was detained and arrested for multiple charges, including larceny, possession of a controlled substance, and driving with a revoked license.
Another incident took place on the same day at Target, located at 1090 Stafford Market Place, at 7:40 p.m. Deputy B. E. Vaughn responded to a report of shoplifting. Loss prevention staff apprehended a female suspect who attempted to leave the store with concealed items.
The suspect initially provided a false name but was later identified as Amanda Stewart, 26, from District Heights, Maryland. Stewart was arrested and charged with shoplifting and providing false identification, and she was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a secured bond.
Stafford County authorities continue to investigate these incidents while taking steps to ensure community safety.
These incidents highlight ongoing issues with fraud and theft in the area.
