Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on September 4, 2023, John Voltolino, Jr., 45, of Toms River, was charged with Aggravated Arson, Burglary, Theft, and Criminal Mischief, in connection with events that occurred on September 4, 2023, in Toms River.
On September 4, 2023, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to a residence on Sun Valley Road for a report of a burglary. The homeowner reported that his son, John Voltolino, Jr., broke into the residence and stole a laptop. Responding Officers observed a broken window in the bathroom on the first floor, as well as blood throughout the residence. Additionally, a strong odor of gasoline was detected, and an extinguished fire on the living room floor – adjacent to a gasoline container – was observed. Investigation determined that Voltolino, Jr. was, in fact, responsible for the burglary of his father’s residence and theft of the laptop. Voltolino, Jr. was subsequently discovered in a wooded area behind the residence and placed under arrest for burglary and theft.
A scene examination was conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime–Arson Squad, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Fire Marshal’s K-9 Unit. It was determined that a fire had been intentionally set in the living room utilizing an open flame, paper towels, and the subject gasoline container. Further investigation revealed that Voltolino, Jr. was responsible for setting the fire that had been extinguished. As a consequence, Voltolino, Jr. was additionally charged with aggravated arson and criminal mischief. Voltolino, Jr. 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, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Fire Marshal’s K-9 Unit, for their combined and collective assistance 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).