Friday Briefs From WOBM News

News from Ocean & Monmouth counties and around New Jersey.TOMS RIVER- A Toms River man remains in the Ocean County Jail accused of two home burglaries. Police Chief Mike Mastrondardy says 20-year-old Jesse Smith is charged with theft and burglary after incidents where he allegedly stole jewelry from a Cambourne Drive home and a Main Street house in Silverton.

BRICK - The man wanted in connection with burglary as well assault of his three year old daughter by allegedly throwing a Brick is in custody. Edward Smith of Hamilton surrendered to the Allentown Police department Wednesday around midnight. He says he turned himself in after seeing his photograph in the media.

TOMS RIVER - Toms River Police say an elderly female resident was swindled out of over $11,000 in a phony sweepstakes scam. According to the Asbury Park Press, the 71-year-old woman was informed that she won $500-thousand dollars but in order to collect her winnings, she would have to pay taxes. She wired thousands of dollars in separate transactions to hong kong and the philippines.

MIDDLETOWN - Middletown officials are warning residents about rabies after two racoons, that had altercations with dogs that tested positive for the disease. Published reports say the Monmouth County Regional Health Commission is advising residents to make sure their animal vaccinations are up to date.

MAYS LANDING - An employee of Richard Stockton College of New Jersey could be given three to five years in New Jersey State Prison if he's convicted of taking school property valued at about $1,400. Mihn Vu, 38, of Galloway, was charged by Atlantic County authorities today. He's accused of taking a pair of Cisco wireless air access routers during December's winter break. Investigators say they found the devices in his home in mid-January. Vu is scheduled to appear in Galloway Municipal Court on February 7.

LAKEHURST - 1800 acres of land outside of the Joint Base will be protected as part of the trust for public land. The parcel located just at the end of the base's runway includes the headwates of the Toms River. 387 acres will be purchased by Ocean County while the conservation easement will be bought on the adjoining 14 hundred acres.

BRICK - Three Brick residents are in custody after police found 25 grams of cocaine, marijuana, and sixteen hundred dollars in their home today. 25 year old John Geiger, 22 year old Theresa Geiger, and 51 year old Amy Geiger were all arrested on drug possession and paraphernalia charges.The arrest was a partnership between the prosecutor's special operations group and members of the Brick Township Police department