FREEHOLD – An Asbury Park man has been indicted on two counts of first-degree armed robbery in relation to two home invasions in the city.
Shawn Connolly, 34, was indicted on November 30 for two counts of first-degree armed robbery, two counts of first degree aggravated sexual assault, two counts of second-degree armed robbery, two counts of third-degree terroristic threats, three counts of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and two counts of fourth degree unlawful possession of a weapon.
Around 5: 27 a.m. on September 14, members of the Asbury Park Police Department responded to an open 911 line in a home. Officers learned upon their arrival that the victims suddenly awoke to Connolly in their home with a knife in his hand threatening to harm them.
During the course of the robbery, one of the victims was sexually assaulted by Connolly. The Asbury Park Police Department found Connolly still at the scene when they arrived and he was placed under arrest.
The Asbury Park Police Department received another report while the investigation was being conducted, from an additional victim that her home had been broken into earlier that same morning at approximately 2:30 a.m. This victim reported that she awoke to a man threatening her with a knife. Connolly was identified as the suspect in this home invasion as well.
Should Connolly be convicted, he would face up to two decades in state prison on each count of armed robbery as well as the aggravated sexual assault, up to 10 years state prison on each count of burglary, up to five years state prison for each count of terroristic threats and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and up to 18 months state prison for each count of unlawful possession of a weapon.
Additionally, he would be subject to parole supervision for life and would be required to register under Megan’s Law.
