By Audrey Levine, Staff Writer
Michael Flanagan, 23, of Merritt Drive, and Andrew England, 19, of Millstone River Road, have been charged in connection to a series of car burglaries, Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne Forrest announced today.
The two men were charged with third-degree conspiracy, third-degree burglary, third-degree theft, three counts of third-degree criminal mischief and possession of drug paraphernalia following an investigation into the rash of car burglaries in the past month affecting those mainly in the center of town.
According to Mr. Forrest, the investigation found that more than 24 vehicles had been burglarized between September and December, with residents reporting losses of GPS units, iPods, satellite radios and other electronic equipment.
Mr. Flanagan and Mr. England were found to be the primary suspects in these burglaries, as well as in a series of criminal mischief incidents at various golf courses in the county in October, Mr. Forrest said.
Police reported that, on three separate occasions, individuals later identified as Mr. Flanagan and Mr. England entered the Neshanic Valley Country Club, the Hillsborough Country Club and the Royce Brook Golf Course, where they stole golf carts and drove them both on and off the grounds. These actions, police said, resulted in thousands of dollars worth of damage to the greens and golf carts.
In executing search warrants Thursday, Mr. Forrest said the Hillsborough Police Department and the county Burglary Task Force found items of the stolen property and drug paraphernalia inside Mr. Flanagan’s home. Police said they also found drug paraphernalia in Mr. England’s home.
During the searches, police also determined that the two men were responsible for the damage at the golf courses.
Mr. England was transported to Somerset County Jail, with bail set at $5,000 with a 10 percent option.
Police are trying to locate Mr. Flanagan, who has not yet been taken into custody.
Mr. Flanagan’s brother, Daniel, 20, of Merritt Drive, was also charged during the investigation and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released on his own recognizance.
Those who were victims of car burglaries between September and December 2008, and have not yet been contacted by township police, should contact Detective Sgt. Sean Carolan with the Hillsborough Township Police Department Detective Bureau at 908-369-3342.
