STATE PARK POLICE ARREST TWO PASSAIC COUNTY RESIDENTS FOR A
BREAK-IN AT RINGWOOD MANOR HISTORIC SITE
NEW SECURITY SYSTEM KEY TO IDENTIFYING BURGLARS

(14/P44) TRENTON – New Jersey State Park Police have arrested two Haskell residents for an April 20 break-in at the Department of Environmental Protection’s Ringwood Manor historic site in Ringwood State Park in northern Passaic County.

Robert Prevete, 44, and Donna Hopper Prevete, 48, each have been charged with burglary and criminal mischief. They were lodged in the Passaic County Jail on $30,000 bail apiece, and are now both free on bail pending further legal proceedings.

According to State Park Police, the burglars triggered the new, state-of-the-art security system installed at the historic site shortly after 7:30 p.m. on April 20. Surveillance video showed them forcing open a window at the back of the building and also forcing open the front door to enter and exit the recently reopened and restored Ringwood Manor.

Using the surveillance footage, State Park Police were able to provide photos of the suspects to area police. With the assistance of Wanaque Police, they were able to identify the couple, who were arrested at their home on May 7. It is not believed the pair stole anything from the site.

Investigating State Park Police officers were Detective Steven Franzone and Officer Jose Salerna, assisted by Detective Tim Kasony. Ringwood Police also assisted in the investigation.

An upgraded security system was installed at Ringwood Manor following a 2011 break-in and robbery, when thieves stole various historic items, including antique weapons, clocks, vases, silverware and paintings. Enhanced security and additional police coverage also has been added at many other state historic sites and parks to safeguard the state’s valuable history and property.

Ringwood Manor, a 19th century mansion, is a National Historic Landmark that captures an important era in North Jersey’s rich ironworks history and its early impact on industrial commerce in the United States. Ringwood Manor was closed to the public in January 2012 following a malfunction of one of the furnaces which spread soot throughout the interior of the museum and covering its historic collections. It officially reopened on April 25.