MANAHAWKIN — Three Ocean County residents face charges after police recovered a stolen U-Haul truck during an early morning property check in Stafford Township, authorities said.
At approximately 3:48 a.m. on March 7, Patrolman Ryan Cahill of the Stafford Township Police Department was checking the ShopRite Plaza on Route 72 West when he spotted a U-Haul box truck parked in the lot with two people inside.
Police identified the driver as Dominic A. Joa of Toms River and the passenger as Elizabeth I. Depasquale of Little Egg Harbor. Both were found asleep in the cab, according to authorities. Further investigation determined the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Toms River.
Officers also discovered a third, Shane M. Taggart of Ocean Gate, hiding in the truck’s cargo area. Taggart had an active warrant issued by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office related to weapons offenses, as well as a separate warrant from Lacey Township for contempt of court, police said.
Depasquale was charged with third-degree receiving stolen property and hindering apprehension. She was released on a summons pending a future court appearance.
Joa and Taggart were each charged with third-degree receiving stolen property and were lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending detention hearings.
Following a court-authorized search of the vehicle on March 9, additional charges were filed against Joa, including fourth-degree receiving stolen property, forgery and criminal attempt, after police said he was found in possession of a stolen check and attempted to cash it fraudulently.
Authorities remind the public that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
