Alleged Smash and Grab Burglars Indicted in July Break-Ins

A Monmouth County grand jury indicted Kareem Gary, 32, of Elizabeth and Herman Rozier, 46, of Linden on Dec. 13 on seven charges stemming from the alleged burglary of businesses in Matawan, Aberdeen and Red Bank.

The investigation began in Matawan after the July burglary of Wine Nation, where the front glass window was shattered and cash and cigarettes were stolen.

As a result of the Wine Nation burglary investigation, Matawan Det. Joseph Lovallo and Det. Steve Sakowski were able to identify one of the suspects and tracked his whereabouts for ten days, Lt. Jason Gallo told Patch in August. The detectives were aware that the burglary of Wine Nation was similar to several 'smash and grab' style burglaries committed across the state, Gallo said, after attending a statewide intelligence meeting.

During the detective's surveillance, the identified suspect returned to Matawan where he and a second suspect allegedly attempted to burglarize Milk Box, a Matawan business located on Route 34.

At the time of their arrest, a crow bar, bolt cutters, hammer, screw driver, ski masks, gloves, and pillow cases and other bags used to carry stolen items, were recovered from the suspects' car, according to Matawan Det. Joseph Lovallo. 

Gary and Rozier were indicted on burglary and theft of movable property charges in relation to the July 10 burglary of Singin Gas station in Aberdeen, burglary and theft of movable property in relation to the July 23 burglary of Welsh Farms in Red Bank, burglary and theft of movable property in relation to the July 25 burglary of Wine Nation, and attempted burglary in relation to the Aug. 20 attempted burglary of The Milk Box in Matawan. 

An indictment does not indicate a conviction, only that a grand jury voted that there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial.