Three young men, one of whom is a juvenile, have been accused of multiple attempted burglaries involving vehicles in Ocean Township. The two adults are now facing attempted burglary charges, while the underage defendant was issued a juvenile complaint related to the crimes.
A resident who allegedly witnessed three individuals attempting to open the doors of multiple cars on Wardell Place at approximately 9:43 p.m. on Thursday, December 18th, contacted law enforcement officials.
According to Lieutenant Kevin Faller of the Ocean Township Police Department, a subsequent investigation resulted in the arrests of 18-year-old Neptune resident John P. Bradley, Jr., 19-year-old Long Branch resident Kahlil Platts, and another young man whose identity remains undisclosed due to his status as a juvenile.
Responding officers reportedly discovered the three defendants in the vicinity prior to their arrests. Both Bradly and Platts were released pending their appearances in court, while the juvenile was issued a complaint and released into his mother’s custody.
Due to the structure of New Jersey’s criminal justice system, Bradley and Platts will be forced to face the crimes for which they have been accused in adult criminal court. Specifically, they will appear before a Superior Court judge in Ocean County because burglary is classified as a felony under N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2. Conversely, the juvenile accused of participating in the aforementioned crimes will have his case adjudicated in family court.
The difference in venues will have significant implications for the individuals charged if each is ultimately found guilty. For example, the adult defendants are facing the addition of a felony conviction on each of their criminal records, a period of probation, and even a prison sentence.
On the other hand, the juvenile will have the benefit of a family court hearing, during which the primary concern is rehabilitation, with the specific standard defined as “the best interests of the child.” As a result, many juvenile cases are resolved through alternatives to incarceration, such as mandatory community service, required counseling, or restitution payments.
For additional information regarding this case, access the following article: Three charged with trying to burglarize cars in Ocean Township