On Friday, July 15, 2022 at approximately 6:45 PM, the Stafford Township Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit arrested Brittany Koppenjan, 30 years old from Lacey Township, and Ryan Powell, 36 years old from Seaside Heights for shoplifting from Walmart.

The subjects were observed shoplifting numerous electronic items by concealing them in bags. After a short period of time, both subjects were observed walking past the check out counter, and exiting Walmart into the parking lot. The DEU encountered the subjects in the parking lot and placed them under arrest.

While searching the subjects, they were found to be in possession of the stolen items, and in possession of CDS – Heroin.

While processing the subjects, it was learned they both had multiple arrest warrants from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, and the Berkeley Township & Seaside Heights Municipal Courts. They were charged with shoplifting and possession of CDS, and transported to the Ocean County Jail in lieu of their outstanding warrants pending future appearances in multiple jurisdictions.

Shoplifting and drug related offenses are related due to the fact that shoplifting leads to the black-market sales of stolen items, and in turn is used to buy, possess, and sell narcotics.

The Stafford Township Police Department does not release photos of arrested subjects, and the public and the press are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

There will be no further information released for this incident.

Media provided by SPD