Recent News
Congratulations to Willingboro PD's newest officers
September 18, 2023
The Willingboro Township Police Department would like to congratulate and welcome our newest Police Officers, Desiree Nelson and Burhan Kahraman! On September 14th, 2023, Ofc. Nelson and Ofc. Kahraman graduated from the Camden County Police Academy, Class #85.
The police recruits endured a 21-week-long academy program. They are now full-time NJ PTC-certified Police Officers. They will now go through our Field Training Program (FTO) before being released to patrol independently.
Ofc. Nelson is a Willingboro Native and a United States Army Reserve Veteran, receiving an honorable discharge in 2022. Ofc. Nelson is enthusiastic about contributing to the growing connection between the community and law enforcement
Ofc. Kahraman started his law enforcement career in 2022 as a SLEO I with the North Wildwood Police Department. Ofc. Kahraman is Turkish, and he looks forward to using his bilingual skills to connect with citizens in the community.
Please join us in welcoming and congratulating Officers Nelson and Kahraman when you see them on patrol!
Willingboro PD announces promotions
September 5, 2023
Acting Director of Public Safety Ian Bucs presented several officers to Mayor Kaya McIntosh and Council members to be ceremoniously sworn into their new ranks.
Ceremoniously promoted to the rank of Captain of Police:
Acting Captain Jeffrey Perez
Ceremoniously promoted to the rank of Lieutenant of Police:
Detective Sergeant Brandin Whitham
Ceremoniously promoted to the rank of Sergeant of Police:
Officer Brandon Thomas
Ceremoniously promoted to the rank of Sergeant of Police:
Officer George Smith
Please join us as we congratulate Captain Perez, Lieutenant Whitham, Sergeant Thomas, and Sergeant G. Smith. We wish them continued success in their new positions.
Crossing Guards sworn in for upcoming school year
August 31, 2023
Congratulations to the 45 crossing guards who were sworn in this morning by our Township Clerk as they prepare for another school year. Under the direction of the Willingboro Township Police Department, crossing guards are responsible for directing and guiding vehicular and pedestrian traffic at streets and school crossings. When you see them with their handheld stop signs and safety vests, make sure you show your support and recognize them for their commitment to the safety of our children and our community.
Willingboro PD enters into pilot program with NJ Division of Children and Families
August 25, 2023
TeamDCF's Office of Resilience has launched an exciting pilot program that focuses on relationships between youth and police officers and law enforcement in their communities.
So far DCF has been able to team up with: Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office, the City of Burlington, Lawnside, Pemberton, Penns Grove, Vineland, and WIllingboro, police departments, and are looking forward to making more connections between youth and law enforcement across New Jersey!
Homeless Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Assaulting Elderly Woman at Knifepoint
August 24, 2023
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a 31-year-old homeless man has pled guilty to sexual assaulting an elderly woman at knifepoint during the summer of 2020 in Willingboro Township.
Under an agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office, Shawn Midgette must serve 12 years in state prison in exchange for pleading guilty to Aggravated Sexual Assault (First Degree).
Midgette, who at the time of his arrest in July 2020 was known to stay in the Willingboro area, also pled guilty to Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Third Degree) for threatening another woman with a knife in a separate incident. A five-year sentence for the weapons offense will run concurrently with the term for the assault.
The pleas were entered last week in Superior Court in Mount Holly before the Hon. Christopher J. Garrenger, J.S.C., who scheduled sentencing for October 27.
The investigation began July 24, 2020 after an elderly woman was sexually assaulted in her vehicle by a man who asked her for a ride as she exited a pharmacy in the 100 block of Springside Road in Westampton. The assailant forced her to drive to the Garfield East section of Willingboro, where he assaulted her and took cash from her purse before fleeing on foot.
The next day, Mount Holly police were contacted by a homeless woman who said she was threatened with a knife in Monroe Park. The victim was acquainted with Midgette, who was taken into custody two days later by Willingboro police at the McDonald’s restaurant on Beverly Rancocas Road.
Midgette is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Eife, supervisor of the BCPO Special Victims Section. The investigation was conducted by the Willingboro Township Police Department, the Mount Holly Township Police Department - NJ and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, with assistance from the Westampton Township Police Department.
Former Substitute Teacher Receives Prison for Sexual Relationship with Student
August 23, 2023
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a 43-year-old Willingboro Township woman has been sentenced to five years in state prison for having a sexual relationship with a male student she met while substitute teaching at a public school.
The sentence was handed down in Superior Court in Mount Holly last week by the Hon. Christopher J. Garrenger to Kameelah Kareem, who pled guilty earlier this year to Sexual Assault (Second Degree).
The investigation began in early 2021 after authorities were made aware of a possible inappropriate relationship between Kareem and the 15-year-old student during the 2019-20 school year. Kareem served as a substitute teacher at the Alternative School at Bookbinder in Willingboro on various dates between November 2019 and March 2020.
The investigation revealed that Kareem had interaction with the student on multiple occasions outside of school. Further details have been withheld in an attempt to protect his identity.
Kareem was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Eife, supervisor of the BCPO Special Victims Unit.
The investigation was conducted by the BCPO Special Victims Unit and the Willingboro Township Police Department. The lead investigators were BCPO Detective Siobhan McClintock and WTPD Detective Monica Pogorzelski.
Vehicle Burglary Arrest
August 4, 2023
On August 4, 2023 at approximately 6:06am, the Willingboro Township Police Department was dispatched to the unit block of Marchmont Lane for a report of a burglary to a motor vehicle. Responding officers were able to gather surveillance footage of the incident and locate the suspect walking in the area of Gabriel Lane.
Officers made contact with the suspect who was found to be in possession of items which were reported stolen by the victim. The suspect was placed under arrest for burglary.
Arrested: Isaiah Taylor (23yrs old)
Willingboro, NJ
Charges: Burglary & Theft by Unlawful Taking
Mr. Taylor was processed and lodge in the Burlington County Jail pending a future court hearing.
*All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Kia & Hyundai Thefts/Break-Ins
June 28, 2023
Residents and visitors. As a result of the KIA and HYUNDAI social media “Challenges,” several models of these vehicles continue to be targeted for theft increasingly. Willingboro Township Police will increase patrols in neighborhoods and shopping plazas to deter this illegal activity. Remember, if you see something, say something.
Please use the below websites provided by Kia and Hyundai to enhance the security of these vehicles.
To potentially obtain a steering wheel lock directly from KIA or to check your 17-digit VIN number for eligible software upgrades, visit: https://ksupport.kiausa.com/ConsumerAffairs/SWLD
For HYUNDAI owners, enter your 17-digit VIN number here to check if your vehicle has security software updates available: https://hyundaiantitheft.com/
Continue to report suspicious activity to WPD by calling 609-877-3001 (Non- Emergencies) *Always dial 911 for emergencies*
Willingboro Officers Recognized With Burl Co. PROCOPS Award
June 16, 2023
Congratulations to Officer Robert Boyd, Detectives James Benedict, Richard Coupe, Elijah Hart, Brandon Norris, Monica Pogorzelski, Detective Sergeant Jason Galiazzi, and Detective Sergeant Brandin Whitham on receiving the prestigious Prosecutor's Unit Excellence Award at the 33rd Annual Burlington County Prosecutor's Office PROCOPS Award banquet!
We applaud your outstanding dedication and commitment to ensuring the safety of our community. Your exceptional teamwork and relentless efforts in the joint investigation with the Edgewater Park Township Police Department have resulted in removing two dangerous individuals from our communities responsible for numerous violent carjackings and robberies in Burlington County, with one of them being a wanted person for murder in Delaware.
Your achievement reflects the highest standards of law enforcement excellence and serves as an inspiration to others in the field. Thank you for your service and for going above and beyond to protect and serve the citizens of Willingboro Township and Burlington County.
Please join us in congratulating these officers, as this recognition is truly well-deserved.
Willingboro Detective Honored by the NJ Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association
June 16, 2023
Congratulations to Detective Cammarota, who was recognized today by the New Jersey Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association for his outstanding investigative work.
Thank you for your service and for going above and beyond to protect and serve the citizens of Willingboro Township and Burlington County.
Please join us in congratulating Detective Cammarota, as this recognition is truly well-deserved!
Willingboro Officer Recognized by the Beloved Project
June 15, 2023
**Repost from The Beloved Project of NJ Facebook page:
Our Community Hero of the day is Officer Brandon Thomas of the Willingboro Township Police Department.
Officer Thomas’ love for the town and youth he serves is impeccable. He is humble and is always looking for ways to help our youth and the unhoused.
Officer Thomas extends himself daily in service and for that reason alone he is our Community Hero!
Join us as we celebrate our Heros by attending our All White Attire Community Hero Benefit Concert
Willingboro Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2019 Murder
June 10, 2023
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a Willingboro Township man was sentenced today in Superior Court to life in prison without the chance of parole for the fatal shooting of a 21-year-old woman four years ago while she was sitting in her car in the Millbrook Park section of Willingboro Township.
The sentenced was handed down in Mount Holly by the Hon. Gerard H. Breland, J.S.C., to Marvin A. Coleman Jr., 25. Coleman was convicted in March 2023 on charges of Felony Murder (First Degree), Murder (First Degree), Robbery (First Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree) and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree).
“We are committed to bringing those who terrorize our citizens to justice,” Prosecutor Bradshaw said. “Today, a punishment worthy of this senseless killing was imposed. This defendant will have the rest of his time on earth to consider the life he took and the lives he ruined by doing so. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family members and friends of the victim.”
The investigation began after police were called to the first block of Medley Lane just before 8:30 a.m. on March 7, 2019, for a report of a female in a parked car with an apparent gunshot wound. Arriving officers found Maribely Lopez of Lindenwold in the driver’s seat of her Ford Focus with the engine still running. The investigation determined the shooting occurred at approximately 11 p.m. the night before.
The investigation further revealed that Coleman had made arrangements on March 6 through the marketplace app OfferUp to purchase a used cell phone from Lopez. They agreed that Lopez would meet Coleman in front of a house on Medley Lane, which is a short walk through a field from the defendant’s residence on Marlboro Lane.
But instead of buying the phone, Coleman executed Lopez by firing a shot through the partially opened driver’s side window. The phone that was advertised for sale was discovered by investigators inside of the car.
An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood revealed that Lopez died from a single gunshot to the head.
Coleman was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Bob Van Gilst, supervisor of the BPCO Major Crimes Unit, and Assistant Prosecutor Rachel Conte. The investigation was conducted by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and the Willingboro Township Police Department. The lead investigators were BCPO Det. Sergeant Tony Luyber, BCPO Det. Sergeant Tim Horne and WPD Det. Sergeant Jason Galiazzi.
New Willingboro Officer Graduates the Police Academy
June 9, 2023
The Willingboro Township Police Department would like to congratulate and welcome our newest Police Officer, Taner Kermen! On June 8, 2023, Officer Kermen graduated from the Camden County Police Academy, Class #84. We are excited to announce that Officer Taner Kermen is the first Turkish Officer to be hired by our department.
The police recruits endured a 21-week-long academy program. He is now a full-time NJ PTC-certified Police Officer. He will now go through our Field Training Program (FTO) before being released to patrol on his own.
Please join us in welcoming and congratulating Officer Kermen when you see him on patrol!
Free Steering Wheel Locks for Kia & Hyundai Owners
June 5, 2023
The Willingboro Township Police Department will be distributing free steering wheel locks to Hyundai and Kia owners. The steering wheel locks are being offered to help deter theft in the wake of a social media challenge on how to compromise Hyundai and Kia security features.
The steering wheel locks will be available while supplies last and are available to all residents who live or work in Willingboro Township. Simply bring proper identification and vehicle registration for one of the listed vehicles to the police department desk, and an officer will provide you with a free lock.
For more information, please see the flyer. In addition, we encourage citizens to report suspicious or criminal activity by calling 9-1-1 or the police desk at 609-877-3001 (non-emergencies).
Road Work in Pennypacker Park
May 29, 2023
**Special Attention Pennypacker Park Residents**
Paving work on Pennypacker Dr. is scheduled to begin Tuesday May 30, 2023, weather permitting. This work will take approximately 4 days. Schools and businesses can remain open. Police Officers will be onsite to assist with traffic.
There will be various traffic control measures in place to facilitate this operation. We ask that residents be mindful of the operation and travel through the work area with caution. The construction company will do their best to minimize any inconveniences associated with this work.
We ask that all vehicles be removed from the roadway. 7am-5:30 pm
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Burlington County Outreach
May 23, 2023
Burlington County is going to start community outreach in Willingboro Township. The Community Outreach Team will be wearing blue vests and have identification cards (shown in the picture). They will be knocking on doors to help residents access county, state and federal programs. They will also be distributing information and answering questions.
If you have any further questions please contact the police information desk at (609) 877-3001
Bike Patrols Are Back!
May 10, 2023
As the weather breaks, citizens will see our officers in “royal blue” patrolling in town. Some key advantages of having a bicycle unit are enhanced community engagement, heightened visibility and deterrence, access to restricted areas, rapid response, and crowd control. These benefits collectively contribute to our community-oriented policing goal.
Pictured here: Officer O’Donnell and Quinonez took advantage of the 70 degree spring weather to patrol the town on their bicycles.
*** Press Release ***
May 2, 2023
On May 2, 2023 at approximately 7am the Willingboro Township Police Department was notified by WIllingboro High School Administration of an anonymous emailed threat towards the High School. Out of an abundance of caution students and staff were temporarily relocated to the high school football stadium.
A sweep of the school was conducted and at this time there is no evidence of a credible threat. We will continue to investigate to find the source of the threat.
We want to reassure all parents/guardians, staff and citizens that the safety of your children is our first priority. Any and all threats will be taken seriously and investigated accordingly.
Parents and guardians please talk with your children and stress the seriousness of ANY and ALL threats whether verbal or online. Threats have serious consequences.
There will be an increased police presence at all of our school buildings.
This incident remains under investigation. We encourage citizens to report any suspicious activity, alarming social media post or criminal activity by calling 9-1-1 or the police desk 609-877-3001 (non-emergencies).
Thank you to the Burlington County Sheriff's Office for your quick response and assistance.
*** Press Release ***
April 19, 2023
On April 18, 2023 at approximately 12:30pm, the Willingboro Township Police Department was dispatched to the Willingboro High School for a report of a student who was assaulted by another student. The victim was transported to Cooper Hospital where he was released after suffering non-life threatening injuries.
An investigation was conducted by the Willingboro Police Department and a 17 year old juvenile was arrested a few hours later.
Arrested: 17 year old
Willingboro, NJ
Charges: Aggravated Assault, Possession of an Unlawful Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
The juvenile was processed and lodged at The Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center.
Join the Willingboro Police Department
March 6, 2023
The 2023 entry-level Law Enforcement Examination (LEE) was announced on March 1, 2023. Applications will only be accepted through the Online Application System. Applications must be completed and submitted by 4:00 p.m. on the closing date March 31, 2023. Please see the links below for more information.
Online Application System
Online Application Information
Willingboro Township Police Department Direct Link
Willingboro Officer CIT Veteran Response Team Training
January 19, 2023
The Willingboro Township Police Department is excited to announce that on January 18th 2023, Officer J. Moore completed CIT NJ (Crisis Intervention Team) Veterans Response Team (VRT) Training.
This was the inaugural training class for officers in New Jersey. New Jersey is the third state in the country to have VRT Training. Oftentimes veterans will only talk to another veteran during a crisis situation. The (VRT) Training teaches military veteran first responders, who are also CIT trained, how to effectively and peacefully resolve incidents involving a veteran in crisis.
Officers learn to leverage their law enforcement training and their shared military experiences with the veteran in crisis, to deescalate the event and prevent violence. Emphasis is placed on connecting veterans with locally available resources designed to improve the health and wellbeing of the veteran.
We recognize that our community has a vast population of veterans and we will continue to train our officers to better serve all of our citizens. Special thanks to The Burlington County CIT Coordinators DSgt. Christopher Ent (Burlington Township Police Department) and Rachel Morgan (Burlington County Department of Human Services).
Emergency Services #9-1-1
Veterans Crisis Hotline #9-8-8 then press 1
Retirement Announcement
January 10, 2023
After 20 years of distinguished service devoted to protecting and serving the residents and visitors of Willingboro Township, Captain Adam Donofrio has retired.
Capt. Donofrio graduated from the Burlington County Police Academy in 2003. He served as a Sheriff’s Officer in the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department until October 18, 2004 when he was hired as a Police Officer for the Willingboro Police Department. He earned two lifesaving awards while serving as a patrol officer and motorcycle officer. In January of 2008 he was assigned to the Street Crimes Unit, where he conducted proactive narcotics investigations, worked in an undercover capacity, and participated in a wiretap investigation. He successfully completed the NJ Department of Criminal Justice’s Top Gun Narcotics Investigators training, the NJDCJ’s Undercover Narcotics Investigator Training (UNIT), and the New Jersey State Police/Federal Bureau of Investigation Undercover Certification program. Capt. Donofrio, along with other members of the street crimes unit, earned a PROCOPS award for their success in the unit.
In January of 2014, Capt. Donofrio was assigned as a detective to the Criminal Investigations Division where he closed cases leading to convictions for a wide range of crimes, including first degree violent crimes that led to prison sentences of up to 25 years. Later that year, Capt. Donofrio was promoted to the rank of sergeant and assigned to the patrol division. While assigned as patrol sergeant he was part of the team that implemented body worn cameras in the department. He also joined the accreditation team and helped the department achieve its first and second re-accreditations. During his time as a patrol sergeant, Capt. Donofrio was also selected to serve on the Employee Assistance Program team. The EAP program is designed to help officers that are in distress. While serving on the EAP team, Capt. Donofrio helped expand the program and secure access to more services for officers in need of assistance. While serving as a sergeant, Capt. Donofrio continued his education. In March of 2016, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the Thomas Edison State University with a 4.0 GPA.
In June of 2019, Capt. Donofrio was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and in this role Capt. Donofrio helped create and supervised the Community Engagement Officer program, obtained over $300,000.00 of grants and equipment, coordinated police services at several large pre-planned events (such as the Jazz Festival and the Juneteenth Festival), and managed several large IT projects (to include implementing a new scheduling system, a new system for managing extra duty assignments, and a citizen’s online reporting system.) In 2021, Capt. Donofrio became the department’s first New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police - Accredited Command Executive.
In December of 2021, Capt. Donofrio was promoted to Captain and assigned to command of the Patrol Division.
Congratulations on a successful career and we wish you the best in your retirement.
Willingboro Police Department Announces 2023 Citizen's Police Academy
January 7, 2023
The Willingboro Police Department has announced the 2023 Citizen's Police Academy. It is open to all residents 21 years old or older. The purpose of the academy is to foster a better relationship, through education and training, between the citizens of Willingboro and their police department. The Citizen's Police Academy will run every Saturday from April 1 to April 29 from 9AM to 12PM at the Willingboro Police Department.
Application Deadline: March 17, 2023
Life in Prison for 2019 Willingboro Murder
January 6, 2023
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced today that Devon Woods was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for fatally shooting a 26-year-old three years ago inside a parked car on Baldwin Lane in the Buckingham Park section of Willingboro Township.
The sentence was handed down in Superior Court in Mount Holly by the Hon. Christopher J. Garrenger, J.S.C., to Devon Woods, 28, who was convicted in October of Felony Murder (First Degree) Murder (First Degree), Robbery (First Degree), Conspiracy to Commit Robbery (Second Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree) and Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons (Second Degree).
Woods was arrested along with Sam Gore of Willingboro and charged with killing Deasia Ayres of Willingboro in the early morning hours of September 18, 2019. The investigation revealed that Woods fired a handgun into her neck and head as she sat in her Dodge Durango. The motive was robbery.
“I commend everyone who was involved in the investigation and prosecution of this defendant,” Prosecutor Bradshaw said. “This case strongly demonstrates our determination to work closely with our law enforcement partners to combat gun violence and maintain safe neighborhoods for Burlington County residents.”
Gore, 28, faces similar charges to those lodged against Woods. They have been held in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly since being arrested a week after the shooting.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Bob Van Gilst, supervisor of the BCPO Major Crimes Unit, and Assistant Prosecutor Rachel Conte.
The investigation was conducted by detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office and the Willingboro Township Police Department, with assistance from the Burlington County Sheriff's Office, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and the Trenton Police Department. The lead investigators were BCPO Detective Sgt. Tony Luyber and WTPD Detective Sgt. Jason Galiazzi.
Retired K-9 Ricky Passes After Cancer Battle
December 23, 2022
The Willingboro Police Department is sad to announce that retired K-9 Ricky passed away after battling cancer.
K-9 Ricky was born in Slovakia in November 2012. He was imported to the United States by Vohne Liche Kennels in Indiana in 2014. It was at that time he was selected and trained by then Officer John Michener, to be a dual purpose police dog (Patrol / Narcotics Detection). K-9 Ricky quickly made a name for himself with numerous arrests credited to his patrol and narcotics detection abilities, which included the largest narcotic find for a Willingboro K-9 in over 25 years.
K-9 Ricky was also a regular at community policing events which included, the DARE program, the Youth Police Academy, the Citizen’s Police Academy, National Night Out, elementary school reading programs, Willingboro Police K-9 Association fundraising events, and many more.
In 2017, Officer Michener was promoted to Sergeant and asked to take a position in the Street Crimes Unit. K-9 Ricky was then primarily used for narcotics detection and as an ambassador for the police department at community events. In 2019, K-9 Ricky was retired from active service and enjoyed his retirement years with Sgt. Michener and his family.
K-9 Ricky will be greatly missed by the citizens of Willingboro Township, the Willingboro Police Department, and the Michener Family.