Beach Bag Caper Results in Arrest

STONE HARBOR – Stone Harbor Police were dispatched to 96th Street and the Beach Aug. 27 at 6:01 p.m. for a report of a beach bag theft.
As the victim was coming out of the water, he observed a subject pick up his beach bag and begin to walk away. When the victim confronted the subject, the subject dropped the bag and left the area.
A description was given and a short time later, two subjects were observed running off the beach on the 100 block 98th Street. They were stopped and it was revealed that one of the subjects allegedly stated that he picked up a bag for his mom who had left the bag on the beach.
When officers called the subject’s mother, she stated she had not been in Stone Harbor. The subject was placed under arrest and transported to the station. He was processed, charged with fourth degree theft, and released on a summons.
On Aug. 28, fingerprint results from the previous day revealed that the subject provided a false name, date of birth and social security number during processing. He apparently used a family member’s information. Based on this information, a warrant was sought and authorized for the subject, now known as Marc A. Desalis, 23, of Middle Township, for a charge of hindering apprehension with a $2,500 full cash bail stipulation.
It was also discovered that Desalis had an active warrant out of Middle Township for $300 stemming from a DUI charge. Middle Township Police were advised and Desalis was arrested and subsequently transported to the Cape May County Correctional Center.
Desalis was charged with fourth degree theft of $685 valued of property. The bag contained an iPhone, car keys and miscellaneous items. He was also charged with hindering his apprehension by providing a family member’s identity at the time of arrest.
Desalis was in possession of eight Stone Harbor beach tags. Anyone missing tags from this weekend are asked to contact the Stone Harbor Police Department at 609-368-2111.
This case was investigated by Sgt. Greg Jackson and Officer Matthew Sokorai and is pending review by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This report is based on information received from law enforcement.