The Stafford Township Police Department in Manahawkin reported several recent arrests, including a high-value shoplifting case, a narcotics arrest aided by a K-9 unit, and a package theft dispute.
$3,100 Home Depot Shoplifting Arrest
Following a multi-month investigation, detectives arrested John Haugh, 36, of Little Egg Harbor, on March 5, 2026.
Haugh allegedly stole $3,105 worth of merchandise during several incidents at the Home Depot on Route 72 between November and December 2025. He was charged with three counts of third-degree shoplifting and one count of fourth-degree shoplifting and lodged in Ocean County Jail pending a court appearance. Detective Zac Halliday led the investigation.
K-9 “Buck” Assists in Meth Arrest
On February 15, 2026, a routine vehicle stop on Route 72 East led to the arrest of Ashley E. Kolakowski, 31, of Manahawkin. Patrolman O’Rourke requested a K-9 unit after developing suspicion, and K-9 Buck and handler Patrolman Russell Okinsky provided a positive alert for narcotics.
A search revealed methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Kolakowski was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), possession of paraphernalia, and failure to make lawful disposition of a CDS. She was released with a future court date in Ocean County Superior Court.
Landlord Charged Over Misdelivered Package
A dispute on Main Street led to charges against 73-year-old Dennis E. Leary of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. On February 25, 2026, Leary allegedly refused to return a package valued at $160 that had been misdelivered to a former tenant’s address.
Leary was charged with Theft of Mislaid or Delivered Property and issued a summons to appear in Stafford Township Municipal Court. Patrolman Justin Barbuto investigated the case.
