Man Admits To String Of Robberies In Manahawkin

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — A Barnegat man admitted to being responsible for a string of robberies and shoplifting incidents in Stafford during May and June 2024.

Nicholas Santiago, 39, pleaded guilty to robbery and shoplifting earlier this week, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. He faces five years in prison.

Just after 12 a.m. on May 27, Santiago, clad in all black clothing and wearing a white face covering, entered OA Convenience, located at 1504 Route 72 West, police said.

He pointed a small knife at an employee, handed them a reusable bag and demanded that it be filled with cash and various merchandise, police said. Santiago then fled the store, according to police. Read more: Knife-Wielding Convenience Store Robber Identified By Stafford Police

When Santiago was identified as the culprit, investigators also linked him to a series of shoplifting incidents at the Manahawkin ShopRite between May and June 2024, Billhimer said. Santiago was also found to be responsible for a robbery in New Gretna on May 31, 2024, Billhimer said.

Santiago was charged in the New Gretna robbery and taken from his Barnegat home to Burlington County Jail on June 18; that charge remains pending in Burlington County Superior Court. The next day, he was charged with the OA Convenience robbery and shoplifting. He was transported to Ocean County Jail on June 22 and has remained there since.