Four Arrested in Home Invasion

WOODBINE — New Jersey State Police arrested four men April 5, for the Jan. 23 home invasion and armed robbery of a Dennis Township residence.
According to a state police spokesman, troopers from the Woodbine barracks responded to a residence on Route 9 in Dennis Township in regard to a home invasion.
“When troopers arrived,” said Sgt. Brian Polite “they met with two victims.”
According to Polite, “Three masked subjects armed with handguns entered the residence and immediately began assaulting the two male victims. The suspects tied up the victims, ransacked the residence and stole various items, including two firearms.”
Both victims were transported to Cape Regional Medical Center for treatment. One victim was later transported to Atlanticare Regional Medical Center for treatment of a fractured skull.
“A thorough investigation conducted by the detectives and troopers of Woodbine Barracks, working in cooperation with the Northfield office of the FBI, led to the identification and subsequent arrest of the suspects,” said Polite.
Arrested were:
Steven Harpel, 25, of Belleplain. He is charged with conspiracy and robbery and is being lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center in lieu of $150,000 full cash bail.
Jesus Rodriguez, 24, of Rio Grande. He is charged with conspiracy, unlawful possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of firearms, theft, burglary, robbery, criminal restraint and aggravated assault. He is being lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center in lieu of $250,000 full cash bail.
Michael Smith, 31, of Wildwood. He is charged with conspiracy, unlawful possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of firearms, theft, burglary, robbery, criminal restraint and aggravated assault. He is being lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center in lieu of $250,000 full cash bail.
Joseph Fontanez, 31, of Wildwood. He is charged with conspiracy, unlawful possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of firearms, theft, burglary, robbery, criminal restraint and aggravated assault. Fontanez was already being housed in the Cape May County Correctional Center on other charges. Full cash bail for the charges noted above was listed at $250,000.