Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on October 15, 2025, Taquan Shelton, 43, of Lacey Township, was charged with Aggravated Arson in connection with an incident that occurred on October 15, 2025, in Lacey Township.
On October 15, 2025, at approximately 1:05 p.m., the Lacey Township Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to a home on Hillwood Road for a report of a residential fire. Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered furniture in the residence to be on fire; they were able to extinguish the blaze.
A thorough investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigations Unit, New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office K-9 Unit, and Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, revealed that the origin of the fire was a couch and ottoman located in the living room, and the cause of the fire was incendiary by an unknown person using an open flame to ignitable liquid. Further investigation led to the identification of Shelton – a renter of the residence – as the individual responsible for setting the fire. Shelton was taken into custody at Lacey Township Police Headquarters. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office K-9 Unit, and Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, for their collective 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).