Crime & Safety

Six Charged With Running 'Criminal Enterprise,' Robbing Bucks County Home

Six people have been arrested and charged with running a "criminal enterprise" that led to 2-year-old robberies in Toms River, N.J. and Langhorne, Pa., police said.

The 18 month co-operative investigation led by the Toms River Police Department resulted in the arrests of:

On Sept. 20, 2012, the suspects allegedly robbed a home on 300 block of Colonial Drive in Toms River. The homeowners were targeted because they were regular sellers of antiques and jewelry at the Columbus Flea Market, police said.

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The victims were followed from the flea market to Toms River and were under surveillance by the suspects for several days. On Sept. 20, 2012 at approximately 11:15 p.m. they committed the home invasion, police said. 

The victims were bound with zip ties while the suspects, armed with handguns, ransacked their house for 45 minutes.  Stolen was $17,000 in cash and an estimated $100,000 in jewelry, police said.

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The investigation led to the execution of search warrants in Trenton that revealed evidence of the group’s involvement in an additional home invasion robbery that occurred in Langhorne on Sept. 10, 2012. 

All suspects have also been charged by Pennsylvania investigators with numerous offenses including operating a criminal enterprise as a result of that incident.

Alexander Lora, 34, and Christopher L. Upshur, 22, both of Trenton were previously indicted in 2013 on one count each of first-degree robbery, first-degree kidnapping and first-degree burglary from the Toms River incident. 

They both continue to be held in the Ocean County Jail on $250,000 bail each. 

Additionally charged on Oct. 4, 2012 with possession of stolen property was Kathleen Meszaros, 40, Trenton.  Her matter is currently pending in Mercer County Court. 

Lisa M. Meszaros, 33, Bristol, Pennsylvania was charged on 4/1/13 with kidnapping, burglary and robbery and released on $200,000 bail.

Additional suspects have now been identified and charged with 1st degree kidnapping; first-degree Robbery; and first-degree burglary as a result of the Toms River incident.

- Chris E. Rodriguez, 22, Bronx, N.Y., on April 7.  Bail is set at $250,000 and he remains lodged in Pennsylvania State Prison.

- Oliver Cabrera, 23, Trenton, on Jan. 14.  He remains in Mercer County Jail on $250,000 cash bail.

The following individuals cooperated with and were instrumental in this investigation.

Det/ Sgt. Kevin Zorn, Hopewell Twp. Police Department

Det. Shawn Gorlin, U.S. Marshall’s Service

Det. Steve Skwierawski, West Windsor Police Department

The Trenton Police Department Tactical Detective Squad

Det. John Campbell, Lower Makefield PA Police Department

Det. David Strother, Middletown PA Police Department

Det. Benjamin Gering, Princeton Police Department

Sergeant Al Hankinson, Bristol PA Police Department 


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