Lower Police Make Arrest in Related Burglaries

ERMA — On Nov. 20 at approximately 8:30 a.m., Lower Township Police responded to a report of a burglary and theft of approximately $3000 cash from the Knights of Columbus Social Club located on Breakwater Road.
Upon police arrival, a check of the interior and exterior proved negative for any suspects. No apparent physical damage had been caused during the entry so it was unsure whether entry was made with a key.
Detectives responded and processed the scene for any latent prints and other items of evidentiary value.
According to police, at noon on Nov. 22 a report of a burglary and theft was reported from the 300 block of Breakwater Road from a residential dwelling and the removal of various electronic games and devices valued in excess of $500.
Upon police arrival a suspect was developed after interviews with the victims. In addition, intelligence information was received from a previous medical emergency call indicating that the suspects were in possession of a large amount of U.S. currency and a bank bag, police said.
Armed with that information, police arrived at the suspects’ residence and upon speaking with them and other household members it was discovered that they were in possession of the electronic equipment from the residential burglary.
Additionally, it was discovered that they also had possession of approximately $800 left over from the money that had been taken from the Knights of Columbus burglary, police said.
Arrested at the scene was Michael E. Ssenyonga of the 300 block of Breakwater Road, Erma. He was charged with both burglaries and thefts and lodged in county jail in lieu of $25,000 bail set by Judge David DeWeese.
The investigation showed that Ssenyonga had jiggled the rear door to make entry to the Knights of Columbus.
Samantha L. Gilmore, 24, also of Breakwater Road, was charged with possession of stolen property and released on a summons.
Police said all the electronic items were recovered and returned to the victims including a 6-year-old boy who was grateful for his Sony Playstation being returned. The remaining money was returned to the Knights of Columbus and miscellaneous items including several cell phones that had been purchased with the stolen money remain in police custody pending court.
Patrolmen C.J. Ryan and Patrolman Robert Fessler and Detectives Joe Boyle, Ed Dougherty and Detective First Class Mel Hedum investigated the case.