Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on January 28, 2026, Constance Koeper, 34, of Elmsford, New York, was charged with Arson in connection with an incident that occurred in Toms River Township on the same day.
On January 28, 2026, at approximately 11:23 p.m., the Toms River Police and Fire Departments responded to the Avon Hotel for a fire alarm activation. Upon arrival, first responders observed a smoke condition in the structure. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau and Fire Prevention Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that the origin of the fire was originated in a room in the southeast corner with the cause being incendiary by unknown person(s) utilizing an open flame to available combustibles.
Continuing investigation led to Koeper being identified as the individual responsible for setting the fire. As such, Koeper charged with one count of Arson, a crime of the third degree.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau and Fire Prevention Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their combined efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).