Stafford Township, NJ – On October 3, 2025, at approximately 3:45 pm patrol units were dispatched to Buy Rite Liquors located at 575 Route 72 for a report of theft. The caller advised his cell phone as well as his credit cards were stolen out of his shopping cart. Through investigation the suspect was identified as 62 year old Michael R. Pawlowski of Jennings Road in Manahawkin.  He was located at his residence where he was placed under arrest. Pawlowski was transported to police headquarters, charged with one count of Theft of Moveable Property 2C:20-3A and five counts of Credit Card Theft 2C:21-6C(1). Pawlowski also had three outstanding warrants out of Stafford Township, Little Egg Harbor, and Atlantic County Courts. He was transported to Ocean County Jail where he awaits a detention hearing.  All stolen items were recovered and returned to their rightful owner. Patrolman T. Caporrino 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.