Eight People Indicted as Alleged Members of Burglary Ring That Targeted Dunkin Donuts Shops

Other Small Businesses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania Also Targeted

May 29, 2007 -- TRENTON – New Jersey Attorney General Stuart Rabner and Criminal Justice Director Gregory A. Paw announced that eight people were indicted today on charges they operated a commercial burglary ring that broke into nearly 100 small businesses across New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania, including numerous Dunkin Donuts shops.

According to Director Paw, a state grand jury returned a 21-count indictment today charging the eight defendants with second-degree racketeering and other charges. The ring allegedly was responsible for at least 97 burglaries – 91 in New Jersey and six in Pennsylvania. The indictment resulted from a nine-month investigation dubbed Operation Coffee Break conducted by a task force headed by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice and the Edison Police Department. The task force included nearly 50 New Jersey police departments, the Pennsylvania State Police and 14 other Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies.

“These defendants allegedly took their crime spree into nearly every county in New Jersey and parts of southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Attorney General Rabner. “Today’s indictment is the product of an investigation that began roughly one year ago and involved the cooperative work of more than 60 law enforcement agencies.”

The eight defendants were charged in the indictment as follows:

* Arthur Reynolds, 45, of Atlantic City, was charged with second-degree racketeering, nine counts of third-degree burglary, and nine counts of third-degree theft by unlawful taking.
* Joseph Thomas Jr., 45, of Egg Harbor, was charged with second-degree racketeering, third-degree money laundering, five counts of third-degree burglary, and five counts of third-degree theft by unlawful taking.
* Tashana Joyce, 24, of Atlantic City, was charged with second-degree racketeering, third-degree money laundering, five counts of third-degree burglary, and five counts of third-degree theft by unlawful taking.
* Tanika Joyce, 29, of Pleasantville, was charged with second-degree racketeering, seven counts of third-degree burglary, and seven counts of third-degree theft by unlawful taking.
* Tanelle McGrew, 29, address unknown, was charged with second-degree racketeering, three counts of third-degree burglary, and three counts of third-degree theft by unlawful taking.
* Raynelle Williams, 37, of Atlantic City, was charged with second-degree racketeering, two counts of third-degree burglary, and two counts of third-degree theft by unlawful taking.
* Rasheedah T. Crouch, 28, of Atlantic City, was charged with second-degree racketeering, one count of third-degree burglary, and one count of third-degree theft by unlawful taking.
* Juanita L. Morgan, 27, of Atlantic City, was charged with second-degree racketeering.

The group used rental vehicles to travel to burglary sites. They would enter the businesses after hours by breaking door locks, frequently prying or twisting the locking mechanism out of the door. Surveillance videos at some of the businesses show a burglar or burglars dressed in dark clothes – hooded sweatshirt, mask, gloves and sneakers – carrying a dark backpack or tool bag. The burglars are seen moving swiftly to the cash registers and prying them open with a crowbar. Safes were stolen from some businesses along with additional items of monetary value.

Attorney General Rabner credited State Investigator Brian Woolston of the Division of Criminal Justice for leading the investigation with assistance from State Investigator James Nelson. Deputy Attorney General Christine D’Elia presented the case to the grand jury. The Attorney General also credited each of the law enforcement agencies that participated in the investigation as members of the task force.

The indictment was handed up to Superior Court Judge Neil H. Shuster in Mercer County. The case was assigned to Atlantic County.

Second-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison and a fine of $150,000, while third-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $15,000.

The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

All of the defendants have been arrested, with the exception of Tanelle McGrew, for whom an arrest warrant has been issued. The arrested defendants are being held in the Atlantic County Jail in lieu of bail. Reynolds and Thomas are being held in lieu of $250,000 cash bail, and the remaining defendants are being held in lieu of $150,000 cash bail.

Source: New Jersey Attorney General

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