Two charged in graffiti spree

OLD BRIDGE - Two Monroe men have been arrested on charges of committing numerous acts of graffiti in the township.

The Old Bridge Police Department arrested Thomas Stephan, 26, on the morning of July 8 after he turned himself in to police. He was released on his own recognizance.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of a second suspect in the case, Tyrell Jason, 22. He was arrested at 10 p.m. July 8. Jason posted $10,000 bail and was released.

The arrests were the result of a weekslong investigation conducted by Old Bridge police detectives Michael Machen and Joseph Gougeon.

The suspects were charged with criminal mischief for allegedly causing more than $2,000 in damage to various buildings, bridges, traffic signs and concrete road dividers throughout Old Bridge. The investigation centered on the graffiti tagging of the markers "JHENTO" and "444."

In addition, the two suspects are believed to be responsible for acts of graffiti in Marlboro, East Brunswick, Sayreville, Perth Amboy, Edison and Woodbridge, according to Old Bridge police. The department was coordinating its investigation with those taking place in the other municipalities.