A Freehold man has been charged in connection with the theft of a cell phone from a Lakewood business earlier this month, authorities announced.
The Lakewood Police Department said Nicholas Shapiro, 33, of Freehold, was identified as the suspect following an investigation conducted by department detectives. After gathering evidence, investigators filed theft charges against Shapiro and obtained an arrest warrant. On May 29, Shapiro was taken into custody.
According to police, additional charges were filed after corrections officers at the Ocean County Jail allegedly discovered a quantity of suspected cocaine in Shapiro’s possession during the intake process.
Lakewood Police Chief Greg Meyer commended the officers involved in the investigation and the agencies that assisted in the arrest.
“This arrest is the result of excellent police work and strong cooperation between our law enforcement partners,” Meyer said. “We remain committed to investigating crimes thoroughly and holding offenders accountable.”
The Lakewood Police Department also thanked the Tinton Falls Police Department and Ocean County Jail staff for their assistance in the case.
