SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Detectives were able to solve a case after a year of investigation.
South Brunswick detectives charged Leon Pittman, 37, of Willingboro, on May 3 with breaking into a Waverly Place home in March 2015.
The case began on March 12, 2015, around 8:40 p.m. when officers responded to a burglar alarm at a house on Waverly Place. Officers reportedly discovered a broken rear window on the home, according to a statement prepared by the South Brunswick Police Department.
Detective Monica Shearer was able to recover physical evidence in addition to video surveillance. The video captures the suspect walking onto the rear deck and breaking into the window, according to police.
Detectives submitted the physical evidence for analysis and DNA testing. Detectives worked with other law enforcement agencies to develop leads on a string of residential burglaries. In October 2015, the New Jersey State Police Forensic Lab reportedly identified a DNA match to Pittman for evidence recovered from the Waverly Place home, according to police.
Detective Eric Tighelaar then worked with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office to obtain a search warrant to obtain a buccal swab to confirm the DNA match to Pittman. This February, police were able to take a swab from Pittman. In April, the New Jersey State Police Forensic Lab reportedly confirmed that Pittman’s DNA was on evidence recovered from the scene, according to police.
A warrant was issued, charging Pittman with burglary. He surrendered at police headquarters and was processed. He was released after posting $50,000 bail.
“This was good police work. The officers did a detailed processing of the crime scene and recovered crucial evidence. That evidence led to a yearlong trail and ultimately an arrest. It may take time, but we are committed to following all leads and tracking down all suspects,” said Police Chief Raymond Hayducka.