Duo Stole $20K in Goods From Hopatcong Homes, Cops Say

Two men were arrested and charged with burglary after stealing more than $20,000 worth of goods from Hopatcong homes, Chief Robert Brennan said.

Joseph August, 29, of Denville and Christopher Rooney, 32, of Hopatcong went on a three-day burglary spree in the borough, kicking in back doors to homes and stealing flat-screen televisions, jewelry, change jars, cameras and “other items of value,” Brennan said.

Between Sunday, Feb. 10 and Wednesday, Feb. 13, the pair forced their way into five homes on Bonaparte Point, Indiana Trail, Tufts Trail and North Western Way, Brennan said.

Most of the items were exchanged in Newark for drugs, Brennan said.

A car with the two men in it garnered the attention of Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Mitch Ellicott, who was assisting with a K-9, Brennan said.

Ellicott determined August, who was in the car, had an outstanding warrant and arrested him, Brennan said.

An investigation then led to the use of a search warrant at Rooney’s residence on Rollins Trail, Brennan said. In the home, proceeds of the burglaries were found, linking August and Rooney to the crimes, Brennan said.

Rooney was charged with burglary, theft and criminal mischief. He was placed in the Sussex County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail with no 10-percent option.

August was charged with burglary, theft and criminal mischief and lodged in Morris County Jail. Bail was set at $50,000 with no 10-percent option.

For questions about this post, email jason.koestenblatt@patch.com.