Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on September 3, 2026, Yaakov Stern, 48, of Lakewood, was charged with Aggravated Arson in connection with an incident that occurred in Lakewood Township on August 25, 2026.
On August 25, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m., the Lakewood Township Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to a structure fire on Delaware Trail. Upon arrival, emergency personnel observed an active structure fire; the fire was subsequently extinguished.
An investigation by the Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau led to the identification of Stern as the individual responsible for starting the fire. On September 3, 2026, Stern was taken into custody by Detectives from the Lakewood Township Police Department. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit- Arson Squad, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, 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).