By: Richard L. Smith
Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago stated a Neptune Township man is facing numerous criminal charges after falsely claiming ownership of two vacant homes where he had been living in recent months.
Markies L. Wells, also known as Messiah Law-Elbey, 39, has been charged with a series of offenses, including second-degree armed burglary, second-degree theft, and third-degree criminal mischief, among others.
His charges stem from incidents in both Keansburg and Holmdel where he illegally entered and occupied vacant properties.
In March 2024, Keansburg police began investigating after Wells allegedly broke into an abandoned house on Pine View Avenue by climbing through a rear window and changing the locks.
He was arrested and charged at the time.
However, Wells did not stop there. In July 2024, Holmdel police discovered that he had entered a foreclosed home on Middletown Road, again changing the locks and moving in. Wells used utilities that had not been turned off and allowed his three dogs to cause significant damage to the home's interior.
When Wells was arrested in connection with the Holmdel property, he was found in possession of a knife and threatened to kill the officers involved.
A Monmouth County Superior Court Judge ordered him to remain in custody at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) while his cases are pending.
Further investigation revealed that Wells had filed falsified documents with the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office, claiming to be the rightful owner of both properties in Keansburg and Holmdel.
This led to additional charges of tampering with records and other offenses.
The case is being handled by Assistant Prosecutor Kristen Anastos from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes/Special Prosecutions Unit. Information regarding Wells' legal representation was not immediately available.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to Wells' activities to contact MCPO Detective Michael Acquaviva at 800-533-7443.