Megan’s Law registrant accused of slipping off the radar

An alleged lapse in Megan's Law compliance lands a Howell Township man temporarily behind bars, but if he's found guilty it could be up to five years.

William E. Bennett is charged with failure to register, accused of moving from Toms River to Howell about a year ago, but neglecting to tell police in either community about it within the legal 10-day window, according to information from the office of Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato.

Investigators say that Bennett's terms require annual re-registration. County investigators ventured to his last known address and were told by the landlord that Bennett had vacated.

He was arrested Thursday morning and remanded to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River, with bail set at a full $30,000. He is subject to a grand jury hearing. In addition to the possible prison term, the third-degree charge carries a potential fine of up to $15,000 on conviction.

Investigators say that Bennett has not been subject to arrests or allegations in the time since his relocation, and there is no information on whether he has legal representation. Anyone with information that might prove relevant to the case can speak anonymously to Detective John Argento, 732-929-2027, ext. 2903.