WILDWOOD– A structure fire broke out Sunday, Jan. 4 around 9:30 p.m. here at the Doris Vernon Hotel at 306 East Pine Ave.
On Jan. 6 members of the Wildwood Police Department Patrol Division and the Wildwood Police Department Detective Division were investigating a rash of recent burglaries and criminal mischief incidents involving graffiti that occurred in the first ward area in the City of Wildwood.
During the course of this investigation, information was developed that some of the suspects of these incidents were also involved in the arson that occurred at the Doris Vernon Apartments on January 4.
Members of the Wildwood Police Department Detective Division, as well as investigators from the Cape Cay County Prosecutors Office, conducted interviews with several of the suspects from these incidents.
As a result of this investigation, five juveniles and one adult offender have been arrested.
Juvenile complaints for arson, failure to report afire, six counts of burglary, and six counts of criminal mischief were issued to each of the five juveniles.
Four of the juveniles were lodged in the Cumberland County Detention Center, and the fifth was taken directly to the Cape May County Superior Court Family Part, for court proceedings.
The adult, Justin Ort, 19, who resides in the 100 block East Youngs Ave. here, was charged with burglary and criminal mischief. He is employed at a fast food restaurant as a cook.
Mr. Ort was processed and released on a summons complaint.
To this point the charges in these incidents result from eight separate burglaries, nine criminal mischief incidents, and the arson of the Doris Vernon Apartments.
The investigation into these events is ongoing, and it is believed that additional charges will be forthcoming for further burglary and criminal mischief cases involving these offenders. There is also at least one other juvenile who will be arrested and charged as a result of these incidents.
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