Crime & Safety

Forked River Man Faces Multiple Charges After Purse Theft

Forked River man charged with fraudulent use of a credit card, possession of heroin and more

A Forked River man was arrested and faces multiple charges after he allegedly snatched a purse from a woman at ShopRite and charged more than $1,000 to her credit cards, police officials said.

William Hoefsloot, Jr., 34, stole a pocketbook from the shopping cart of a 66-year-old Forked River female on March 13.

The purse contained approximately $200, credit cards, gift cards and personal identification.

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Patrolman Darrell Nick responded to the scene and worked with ShopRite security to find the culprit.

After checking with the victim’s credit card companies, Nick found that two fraudulent transactions were made at the Walmart in Lanoka Harbor. The purchases included a 52” Sanyo television and a Play Station III. The total cost of the two items was approximately $1,400.

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Nick checked with Walmart’s security and confirmed that the purchases made were by the same suspect in ShopRite.

Hoefsloot was arrested on March 16 and charged with theft of a pocketbook, fraudulent use of a credit card, forgery and theft by deception. He was also charged with possession of heroin after police conducted a search of his home.

Hoesfloot was sent to jail with his bail set at $50,000, with no 10 percent option.

Detective James Wood is working with a neighboring town to determine if Hoefsloot is responsible for a similar crime.


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