Stafford Township, NJ – On January 10, 2025, at approximately 5:00 PM, Carlos A. Flores-Varela (34 year old resident of Manahawkin, NJ) was placed under arrest for stealing approximately $18 of merchandise from Shoprite located at 297 Route 72 W in Manahawkin. Flores-Varela was transported to police headquarters, charged with Shoplifting 2C:20-11, and Defiant Trespassing 2C:18-3B, after previously being advised he was not permitted on the property. Flores-Varela was transported to Ocean County Jail with a criminal complaint warrant to appear in Ocean County Superior Court.

On January 20, 2025, at approximately 10:00 AM, Flores-Varela was placed under arrest again for stealing approximately $80 of merchandise from Shoprite located at 297 Route 72 W in Manahawkin. Flores was transported to police headquarters, charged with Shoplifting 2C:20-11 and Defiant Trespassing 2C:18-3B. Flores-Varela was transported to Ocean County Jail with a criminal complaint warrant to appear in Ocean County Superior Court. Officer Sean O’Rourke was the arresting officer.

As a reminder, the Stafford Township Police Department does not release arrest photos of defendants. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.