Official Press Release – April 13, 2026 – Four Individuals Charged in Township Burglary/ Home Invasion

The Township of Washington Police Department would like to update our residents on an incident that was reported on December 31, 2025. At approximately 4:50 AM on December 31, 2025, a house on Julia Court which is on our West Side of town was entered while the resident was home. Entry was gained by a masked actor forcing a window in the rear of the house open. Once inside, the masked actor was allegedly looking for car keys but backed out of the residence when he heard the homeowner. It is reported that the actor left through the same window he entered the house from. Three masked actors in total were allegedly involved and were last seen getting into a dark colored four-door sedan heading towards Linwood Avenue. (Please reference to the 12/31/25 Press Release)

The Detective Bureau’s investigation identified a related incident occurring the same morning in Leonia, New Jersey, where a Range Rover was stolen from a residence. Similar incidents involving a dark-colored four-door sedan were also reported by the Nutley and Wayne Police Departments. The Leonia police department obtained ALPR information and supplied us with a New Jersey license plate via an Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR). Our Detective Bureau used the ALPR information and incident locations to obtain a communications data warrant for an area search

After an extensive investigation led by the Township of Washington Police Department Detective Bureau obtained Communications Data Warrants for cellular tower records. Analysis of this data revealed five phone numbers present at all related incidents in Washington Township, Leonia, Nutley, and Wayne. Further investigation indicated that the Clifton Police Department had previously apprehended three individuals in connection with a similar incident. This investigation required a significant and sustained commitment of departmental resources.

Through the execution of additional warrants and court-authorized orders, coupled with comprehensive forensic analysis of cellular devices recovered during the investigation, the Township of Washington Police Department Detective Bureau was able to identify four individuals as being responsible for the burglary and home invasion. Based on the evidence obtained, each of the individuals was subsequently charged in connection with these offenses.

The following individuals have been charged:

Alquadir Hester, Newark, NJ

· 2C:5-2 Conspiracy to Commit Residential Burglary (2nd Degree)

· 2C:18-2.2 Residential Burglary (2nd Degree)

· 2C:5-1 Criminal Attempt – Theft of a Motor Vehicle (2nd Degree)

· 2C:20-7 Receiving Stolen Property (2nd Degree)

· 2C:24-9 Employing a Juvenile to Commit Criminal Offenses (3rd Degree)

Ameer Hester-Hall, Newark, NJ

· 2C:5-2 Conspiracy to Commit Residential Burglary (2nd Degree)

· 2C:18-2.2 Residential Burglary (2nd Degree)

· 2C:5-1 Criminal Attempt – Theft of a Motor Vehicle (2nd Degree)

· 2C:20-7 Receiving Stolen Property (2nd Degree)

· 2C:24-9 Employing a Juvenile to Commit Criminal Offenses (3rd Degree)

Dupree Turner, East Orange, NJ

· 2C:5-2 Conspiracy to Commit Residential Burglary (2nd Degree)

· 2C:18-2.2 Residential Burglary (2nd Degree)

· 2C:5-1 Criminal Attempt – Theft of a Motor Vehicle (2nd Degree)

· 2C:24-9 Employing a Juvenile to Commit Criminal Offenses (3rd Degree)

Juvenile (Name Withheld)

· 2C:5-2 Conspiracy to Commit Residential Burglary (2nd Degree)

· 2C:18-2.2 Residential Burglary (2nd Degree)

· 2C:5-1 Criminal Attempt – Theft of a Motor Vehicle (2nd Degree)

· 2C:20-7 Receiving Stolen Property (2nd Degree)

· 2C:24-9 Employing a Juvenile to Commit Criminal Offenses (3rd Degree)

Criminal Charges and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Residents are reminded to secure their homes and lock their vehicles at all times. There have been reports of individuals using online mapping tools, including street view features, to identify potential targets for vehicle theft.

The Township of Washington Police Department remains committed to the safety and security of our community.