Two people are in custody in connection with the theft of approximately $200,000 in jewelry and valuables, Howell police said.

On December 26, 2022, Officers responded to a residence on West Farms Rd on the report that a burglary had occurred there. Preliminary investigation revealed that entry was made to the residence by forcing a rear door open. Once inside, the suspects moved throughout the interior eventually making their way to the master bedroom. The suspects located and stole over $200,000 in exotic jewelry and valuables. The suspects were captured on home security surveillance cameras both inside and outside the home. The suspects were observed to be wearing face masks and gloves to conceal their identities. The video was widely circulated on social media and the homeowner offered a reward for information that lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.

Howell Police Detective Ryan Jackson was assigned as the lead detective to investigate the incident. He along with Detective Anthony Romano conducted a comprehensive investigation utilizing advanced training in technical applications and analysis of cellular data to develop multiple suspects. After further investigation confirmed the identities of the suspects, arrest and search warrants were drawn up.

On March 27,2023 a team of Howell Twp Police Officers and Monmouth County Prosecutors Office Detectives set out to arrest both suspects. Both suspects were located in Neptune. The first suspect, Dathan Thompson (32/male/Neptune) was located at his residence and arrested without incident. He was charged with Burglary, theft and criminal mischief.

The second suspect, Karl Roberson (32/m Neptune), was arrested during a motor vehicle stop in Neptune. He was driving a vehicle that investigation revealed had been connected to the burglary. Following his arrest, a search warrant was conducted on the vehicle. During the search officers found a defaced 9mm handgun with an extended magazine, several packages of suspected “crack cocaine,” marijuana and items related to the burglary. Roberson was charged with burglary, theft, criminal mischief, possession of controlled dangerous substance and several weapons offenses.

The successful conclusion of this investigation was the result of the collaboration between several Howell Police Detectives and our partners in the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office lead by Detective Ryan Jackson.