Stafford Township, NJ — On Saturday, March 7, 2026, at approximately 3:48 a.m., Patrolman Ryan Cahill of the Stafford Township Police Department was conducting a routine property check at the ShopRite Plaza, located at 733 Route 72 West in Manahawkin.
During the check, Patrolman Cahill observed a U-Haul box truck parked in the lot with two individuals inside. The driver, identified as Dominic A. Joa of Washington Street in Toms River, NJ, and the passenger, identified as Elizabeth I. Depasquale of Oak Lane in Little Egg Harbor, NJ, were both found asleep within the passenger compartment. Further investigation revealed that the U-Haul truck had been reported stolen out of Toms River.
While on scene, officers discovered a third subject, Shane M. Taggart of Lakewood Avenue in Ocean Gate, NJ, hiding in the rear cargo area of the vehicle. Taggart was found to have an active NCIC warrant issued by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office for weapons offenses, as well as a warrant from Lacey Township Municipal Court for contempt.
As a result of the investigation:
Elizabeth Depasquale was charged with NJSA 2C:20-10.2A Receiving Stolen Property (3rd degree) and 2C:29-3A(2) Hindering by Providing Aid (disorderly persons offense). She was released on a summons pending a future court appearance.
Shane Taggart was charged with NJSA 2C:20-10.2A Receiving Stolen Property (3rd degree). He was lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Dominic Joa was charged with NJSA 2C:20-10.2A Receiving Stolen Property (3rd degree). He was also lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
On March 9, 2026, a court-authorized search warrant was executed on the U-Haul truck. As a result, Dominic Joa was additionally charged with 2C:20-7A Receiving Stolen Property (4th degree), 2C:21-2A(1) Forgery (4th degree), and 2C:5-1A(1) Criminal Attempt (4th degree) for possessing a stolen check and attempting to fraudulently cash it.
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.