LAKEWOOD — Police recovered nearly $450,000 in cash and charged a township man following an investigation into a burglary at a local business, authorities said.
William Ordenana-Arauz, 48, of Lakewood, faces one count of burglary and two counts of theft, according to the Lakewood Police Department.
Officers were called to a business on Ocean Avenue at about noon July 26 after the owner reported that approximately $100,000 had been stolen. A subsequent audit determined that the amount missing exceeded $300,000, police said.
Investigators identified Ordenana-Arauz as a suspect and learned that he had previously performed work at the business, authorities said. Detectives also determined that he traveled to a storage facility in Freehold after leaving the property.
Police obtained court-approved warrants to search a vehicle and a storage unit. Detectives recovered nearly $450,000 in cash and the business’ digital video recorder, which authorities believe was removed during the break-in.
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department assisted Lakewood police with the investigation. Police also credited members of Shomrim and several area businesses with providing information that helped detectives identify the suspect.
Lakewood Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer praised the investigators and assisting organizations for helping recover the money and other evidence.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information may contact Detective Matthew Richardson at 732-363-0200, ext. 5342.
The charges are accusations. Ordenana-Arauz is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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