Man Used Teens To Break Into Vehicles In Manchester, Police Say

MANCHESTER, NJ — A 20-year-old Manchester man had been arrested on charges he used a pair of teens to burglarize vehicles in the Pine Lake Park section of Manchester thanks to tips from the community, police said Saturday.

David J. Museliani, 20, has been charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and theft and use of a person 17 years of age or younger to commit a criminal offense in connection with a series of vehicle burglaries that happened Nov. 10, Manchester Capt. Albert Vega said.

Also charged were two boys, ages 14 and 15, Vega said.

Manchester detectives investigated the burglaries with help from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigations Unit, and in their follow-up investigations obtained surveillance video showing those involved, he said.

That footage was released on social media, and the surveillance footage and information received from the public allowed investigators to identify the suspects and a vehicle involved in the burglaries, Vega said.

Museliani was released with summonses under New Jersey Bail Reform guidelines, he said. The teens are being handled through juvenile justice procedures, Vega said.

"This investigation was a collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community," Vega said. "The Manchester Township Police Department thanks residents who came forward with information and assisted investigators by providing tips."

He said police also are reminding residents to lock their vehicles and promptly report any suspicious activity.

Anyone with additional information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Manchester Township Police Department.