STAFFORD – Two people were charged after a July 4 traffic stop in Manahawkin led detectives to an outstanding shoplifting investigation and the discovery of a controlled substance, police said.
Detectives with the Stafford Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit stopped a vehicle at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday near Stafford Park Boulevard and the Garden State Parkway southbound.
Police said the vehicle was driven by Daniel Thurston, 49, of Barnegat. During the investigation, officers arrested front-seat passenger Christina Dell, 46, of Manahawkin, in connection with six prior shoplifting incidents.
According to police, Dell is accused of stealing about $273.27 worth of merchandise from the Walmart at 525 Route 72 West in Manahawkin.
Police said detectives searched the vehicle with Thurston’s consent and found Suboxone, a controlled dangerous substance. Thurston did not have a valid prescription for it, according to police.
Thurston was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, a disorderly persons offense. Dell was charged with six counts of shoplifting.
Both were processed at Stafford Township Police Department headquarters and released on their own recognizance pending future court appearances.
Police said the department does not release arrest photos of defendants. The charges are accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
