Police: Phone Fraud Conned Resident

Jan. 25

Arrest (shoplifting) — Police arrested Robert N. Bach, 23, of the 600 block of Mount Vernon Avenue, Haddonfield, for allegedly shoplifting $64 in merchandise from the Best Buy on Nixon Drive, according to a report. He was served with criminal complaints and released pending a municipal court hearing.

Fraud — Police said an unknown person conned a township resident out of more than $2,500. According to a report, the individual called the resident several times between 5 p.m. Jan. 24 and 4:01 p.m. Jan. 25 and told them that a relative was in custody in Canada and requested money in order to post bail. The victim wire transferred approximately $2,575 to an unknown address in Canada, then later learned the relative had never been in custody in Canada. The Mount Laurel Police Department would like to warn residents to be aware of similar phone scams. Prior to sending any money to phone solicitors, confirm the origin of the caller and the destination of the money.  

Jan. 26

Criminal mischief (Devonshire) — Police said a driver heading down Larchmont Boulevard left the road and drove through the backyard of a Stratford Lane residence, causing approximately $400 worth of damage. The incident occurred between 2 p.m. Jan. 25 and 10:30 a.m. Jan. 26.

Arrest (possession of a syringe) — Police arrested Jonathan M. Gavalas, 23, of the unit block of Springville Way, after police observed a hypodermic syringe during a call for service, according to a report. Gavalas was charged with possession of a hypodermic syringe and released pending a municipal court hearing.

Juvenile arrest (possession of marijuana), 8:11 p.m. — Police arrested a 17-year-old Voorhees resident and a 16-year-old Mount Laurel after they were stopped on South Church Street for a motor vehicle violation. Both juveniles were charged with possession of marijuana and released to their parents.

Jan. 30

Attempted Burglary (Holiday Village East) — Someone tried to break into a residence on the 400 block of Aster Place by prying at the rear window, according to police. The attempted break-in occurred sometime over the past several months. No entry was gained.

Theft from vehicle, 6:30-9 p.m. — A thief smashed the window of a car parked at the Funplex on Route 38 and snatched a purse and its contents, valued at $60, police said. Damage to the vehicle is estimated at $200.

Jan. 31

Arrest (prescription fraud) — Police arrested Latoya N. Jones, 30, of the unit block of Ablet Village, Camden, after she presented a fraudulent prescription at the Wegmans pharmacy on Centerton Road, according to a report. She was charged with obtaining prescription drugs by fraud and lodged in Burlington County Jail after failing to post $12,500 bail, police said.

Feb. 1

Arrest (DWI), 12:34 a.m. — Police arrested Joseph D. Sailman, 27, of the unit block of Clover Lane, Levittown, PA, after he was stopped on Union Mill Road, according to a report. He was charged with driving while intoxicated and released pending a municipal court hearing.

Arrest (DWI), 12:09 a.m. — Police arrested Joseph M. DePhillipo Jr., 52, of the 600 block of Guilford Road, Cherry Hill, after he was stopped on Route 73, according to a report. He was charged with driving while intoxicated and released pending a municipal court hearing.  

Information provided by Mount Laurel Police. An arrest does not indicate a conviction.