Police say that two people reported that they had been robbed on Eaves Mill Road in Medford Township, New Jersey Friday evening. Law enforcement opened a probe into the alleged robbery. Police arrested three teenagers within hours. But, then police set their sights on the 20-year-old male and the 16-year-old female who had reported the alleged robbery.
Law enforcement two Mansfield teens and a Mount Holly, New Jersey juvenile had committed the robbery, which was reported shortly before 5:30 Friday. The three were taken into custody later Friday evening. Authorities believe that a fake gun was used in the incident. Few details have been reported in the media concerning what was taken by force in the alleged robbery, but law enforcement claims that the offense occurred during some kind of drug deal.
Law enforcement reportedly descended on the home of the 20-year-old who was one of the two who had reported the Medford robbery. Law enforcement claims that officers seized pot, heroin, pills, a weapon and other items during a raid on the man's home.
Monday, police announced that not only were the three teens who were suspected of robbery arrested, but that the two who had reportedly the robbery were also arrested.
The three suspected of the alleged robbery include two 18-year-old teens and a 17-year-old juvenile. All three face charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute drugs following the police investigation. The 17-year-old juvenile is also accused of several additional charges, including robbery, terroristic threats, a weapons crime and assault. The juvenile was released, while the two adult teens were booked into the Burlington County Jail with bail set at $35,000.
Meanwhile, the 20-year-old who reported the robbery is being held on $66,000 bail on a string of drug and firearm allegations in adult court. The 16-year-old juvenile has been charged with drug distribution, unlawful possession of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia charges in juvenile court. She reportedly was released pending proceedings in juvenile court.
The story highlights that distinctions may exist between juvenile and adult court proceedings as each of the juveniles was released, while the three adults charged were given significant bail. However, that does not mean that juvenile charges in New Jersey are handled without potential consequence.
It is important for teens accused of a juvenile delinquency offense (and for their parents) to understand that a juvenile offense can involve serious consequences. A New Jersey defense lawyer familiar with the juvenile justice system can advise and represent teens facing juvenile charges.
Source: NBC News, "Police: Trio holds up Medford drug deal participants, all five charged," David Levinsky--PhillyBurbs.com, Feb. 18, 2013
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