Cape May, New Jersey – Chief Dekon Fashaw of the Cape May Police Department has announced the arrests of six individuals—Marco Honesty, Richard Francis, Dominique Hayes, DeAndre Dudley, Ilon Coles-Melson, and Marcus Gallmon—all hailing from the greater Washington, D.C., and Maryland areas.

These arrests follow a lengthy, multi-agency investigation involving the Cape May Police Department Detectives, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and numerous other law enforcement agencies, including the police departments of Cherry Hill, Colts Neck, Roxbury, Englewood, Tenafly, Watchung, Haddonfield, Livingston, Millburn, Margate, Branchville, and departments from Armonk, NY; Philadelphia, PA; and Reisterstown, MD, along with their respective District Attorney and Prosecutor’s Offices.

The investigation began on May 5, 2024, when Cape May Police officers responded to a burglary in progress at the Queen May Jewelry Store on the Washington Street Mall. Upon arrival, officers found the storefront’s glass door shattered and valuable items stolen, with some strewn across the mall area in front of the business.

Cape May Police and Prosecutor’s Office Detectives processed the scene and recovered video surveillance footage, DNA evidence, and items left behind by the suspects. 

Investigative efforts along with the collaborative efforts of the participating agencies, led to the identification and apprehension of the six suspects for their roles as conspirators and co-conspirators in the theft and subsequent sale or distribution of stolen property.

All suspects have been charged under Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 (Conspiracy to Commit Offense or to Defraud the United States) and Section 2315 (Sale or Receipt of Stolen Goods, Securities, or Money).

Chief Fashaw emphasized the importance of continued cooperation among Federal, State, County, and Local law enforcement agencies to combat criminal activity. He encourages residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or criminal activity.

A Message from Cape May County Prosecutor Sutherland, “Retail theft rings have been hurting our local businesses which impacts the entire community.  Collaborative efforts between various state and federal law enforcement agencies such as this are needed to catch and prosecute the perpetrators of these crimes.”

Tips and information can be reported to:

• Cape May Police Department: (609) 884-9500
• Submit a tip online at CapeMayPolice.org
• Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office: (609) 465-1135
• cmcpo.tips
• Cape May County Sheriff’s Office (Anonymous Tips): cmcsheriff.net
• Cape May County Crime Stoppers: (609) 889-3597

Note: The charges are merely accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.