Man Charged in Burglary of Former Boss’ Home

A 20-year-old Staten Trail man was arrested after he burglarized the home of a former employer, Hopatcong police said.

According to Lt. Tom Kmetz, a resident saw Lawrence Mastorelli entering a neighbor’s home. After calling the homeowner and verifying no one was supposed to be in the home patrol was notified, Kmetz said.

Kmetz said the witness gave the dispatcher the description of the burglar and his vehicle, which was a silver minivan with a lot of stickers on the back. Sgt. Joseph Magrini caught up with the vehicle on River Styx road by the bridge and stopped it, Kmetz said.

According to Kmetz, Magrini saw stolen jewelry in Mastorelli’s lap when he approached the vehicle. Mastorelli was arrested and charged with burglary, theft, possession of prescription legend drugs and brought to the Sussex County Jail in lieu of $25,000.00 bail, Kmetz said.

According to Kmetz, Mastorelli cooperated with police, and the investigation revealed the house he burglarized was his old boss house.