Lakewood Police detectives have recovered nearly $450,000 in cash and charged a 48-year-old Lakewood man following an extensive investigation into a commercial burglary.

Police said officers responded to a business on Ocean Avenue at approximately 12:00 p.m. on July 26 after receiving a report of a burglary. The business owner initially reported that about $100,000 in cash had been stolen. However, after detectives continued their investigation and the business completed a detailed audit, it was determined that more than $300,000 had actually been taken.

Detectives quickly identified a suspect, identified as William Ordenana-Arauz, who had previously performed work at the business. Investigators later determined that the suspect traveled to a storage facility in Freehold after leaving the business.

Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, detectives obtained court-authorized search warrants for the suspect’s vehicle and a storage unit in Freehold. During the searches, investigators recovered just under $450,000 in cash, along with the business’s digital video recorder (DVR), which police believe was removed during the burglary.

Ordenana-Arauz has been charged with burglary and two counts of theft.

The investigation was conducted by the Lakewood Police Department with assistance from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.

Lakewood Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer commended the detectives and all agencies involved, crediting their work for recovering a significant amount of stolen cash and key evidence. He also thanked the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, Shomrim volunteers, and several area businesses for their assistance, saying their cooperation played an important role in identifying the suspect and advancing the investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Matthew Richardson at 732-363-0200, ext. 5342.

The charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.