Attempted Armed Home Invasion In Marlboro: 2 From Virginia Charged

FREEHOLD, NJ – A pair of Virginia residents, one of whom authorities said brandished an AK-47-style rifle, have been arrested and charged with conspiring to pull off an armed home invasion and robbery in Marlboro in September, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor.

Acori Knox, 21, of Hampton, Va., and Lauren McNeil, 24, of Newport News, Va., are each charged with second-degree conspiracy to commit burglary, second-degree conspiracy to commit robbery, and second-degree attempted burglary, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Thursday.

Knox is additionally charged with first-degree attempted robbery, second-degree eluding police, and three second-degree weapons offenses, the office said.

Both defendants were taken into custody Wednesday in Newport News, Va., and they now await extradition proceedings and a first appearance and detention hearing to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.

Authorities said McNeil was "one of several individuals present as guests at the home at the time." She and her boyfriend, Knox, had planned the home invasion via text messages ahead of time, seeking to restrain the homeowner while robbing him of cash and personal effects, the prosecutor's office said in a news release.

The couple was arrested after a joint investigation with Virginia authorities.

The Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Bureau and the Marlboro Township Police Department recounted the events of Sept. 24 leading up to the investigation:

Shortly after 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, the Marlboro Township Police Department responded to a residential neighborhood in Marlboro after a report of an attempted home invasion.

They learned that an adult male suspect, later identified as Knox, had just left the scene in a dark-colored Cadillac sedan with Virginia license plates.

He attempted to enter the home through a rear patio door minutes earlier, while brandishing an AK-47-style rifle, the prosecutor's office said.

A patrolman located the vehicle and started pursuing it, but soon broke off the pursuit due to excessive speed and the risk to public safety.

The Prosecutor’s Office worked with the Hampton, Va., Police Division, the Newport News, Va., Police Department, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Offices in both cities for assistance in the investigation.

“This case has been marked by consistently stellar investigative work throughout, from a swift initial response that very well may have prevented a far worse outcome all the way through the identification of these suspects and their arrests yesterday,” Santiago said.

“It’s also a prime example of how powerfully effective collaborative efforts involving multiple agencies can be, all in an overarching effort to ensure that public safety is maintained throughout our communities.”

Marlboro Township Police Chief Peter J. Pezzullo also commented on the investigation.

“The Marlboro Township Police Detective Bureau worked hand in hand with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Newport News Police Department to close this investigation rapidly,” Pezzullo said.

“I am extremely proud of the dedication and diligence of Det. (Edward) Ungrady and all the Marlboro officers involved in this case. This joint operation exemplifies how multiple law-enforcement agencies can work as one and accomplish great results.”

The case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Caitlin J. Sidley of the Major Crimes Bureau. Information on legal representation for Knox and McNeil was not immediately available.

Convictions on first-degree criminal charges are commonly punishable by terms of up to 20 years in state prison, while second-degree convictions can result in terms of up to 10 years, the prosecutor's office said.

Anyone with information about this matter is asked to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Det. Aaron Shaw at 800-533-7443 or Marlboro Township Police Department Det. Edward Ungrady at 732-536-0100.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about this or any crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android), by calling 800-671-4400, or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.