String Of Crimes, Including Lacey Axe Assault, Nets Man Prison Sentence

LACEY, NJ — A Toms River man was sentenced to prison for a string of separate crimes, two of which occurred in Lacey Township, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Charles Maulbeck, 52, was sentenced to three years for aggravated assault in Lacey and 18 months for criminal mischief also in Lacey on separate occasions, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. He was also sentenced to three years for arson in Brick. These sentences will run concurrently.

On April 9, 2024, Lacey police officers responded to the Dollar General on South Main Street for the report of an assault, Billhimer said. They found Maulbeck with minor injuries to his face and arms. He was taken to Community Medical Center for treatment.

Investigation found that Maulbeck had appeared at a home on Stuyvesant Street earlier that day and confronted the homeowner, Billhimer said. The reason for the confrontation was not shared.

An altercation happened between Maulbeck and the homeowner; Maulbeck struck the homeowner with an axe, left and walked to Dollar General where he called the police, Billhimer said.

The victim sustained minor injuries and refused medical treatment. Maulbeck was charged with aggravated assault when he was released from the hospital and taken to Ocean County Jail, though he was released due to bail reform.

In another incident on Stuyvesant Street on Sept. 14, 2024, a car parked at a home had its rear window smashed, Billhimer said. Maulbeck had taken a rock and smashed the window, Billhimer said. He was found in the vicinity of the home and taken into custody. He has been in Ocean County Jail since.

Maulbeck also was sentenced on an arson charge. On Sept. 13, 2024, Brick police saw smoke and heavy fire from a Falkenberg Road home while on routine patrol, Billhimer said.

During fire suppression efforts, three firefighters were injured, Billhimer said. One refused treatment and the other two were treated and released.

A thorough investigation revealed the fire's cause was incendiary by someone using an open flame on combustibles, Billhimer said. The fire started in the north side of the split basement at the house.

Maulbeck was identified as the culprit and was served the arson charge on Oct. 7, 2024 via a warrant while jailed.