By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Ocean County announced that on March 20, 2024, Troy Jones, 58, of Jackson Township, was found guilty of Burglary and Theft in connection with an incident that occurred in Jackson Township on December 22, 2021.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said that following an almost two-week trial before the Honorable Dina M. Vicari, J.S.C., the jury concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that Jones unlawfully entered a residence in Jackson Township and stole property valued at more than $500.
Jones is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Vicari on May 31, 2024, at which time he faces up to five years in New Jersey State Prison, officials said.
Officials say on December 23, 2021, Officers from the Jackson Township Police Department were summoned to a residence on Chatham Court West in the Gardens at Jackson Twenty-One apartment complex in reference to a reported theft.
Responding Officers learned that the occupants of the residence – upon returning home from work at approximately 6:00 p.m. - discovered that $4,500 in cash and an Apple watch were missing, according to officials.
Officials say a subsequent investigation by the Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau revealed that Jones - who is employed by the apartment complex as a maintenance worker - utilized a master key issued to him by the complex, entered the subject residence, and took the money and watch.
Authorities say Jones was charged with burglary and theft on January 12, 2022, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
On January 13, 2022, Jones surrendered himself at Jackson Township Police Headquarters in the presence of his attorney, officials said.
Jones was processed and transported to the Ocean County Jail and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.