Barnegat Man Jailed on Attempted Murder Charge

A Village Drive man remains in the Ocean County Jail on attempted murder and burglary charges after joining three accomplices on a home invasion robbery turned violent, authorities said.

An Ocean County grand jury upheld charges last week against Anthony A. Bennett, 19, in connection with the alleged burglary of a Seaside Heights apartment on May 23. Three of Bennett's alleged accomplices also were indicted on several criminal charges.

Authorites claim Bennett, Levine Leonard, 21, of South Toms River and Shawn Donaway, 19, of Seaside Heights entered a Sampson Avenue apartment while armed with weapons. A fourth man, Anthony P. Collins of Toms River, is alleged to have also been armed although he is accused of attempting to enter the apartment.

Once inside, the men assaulted three residents, the indictment states. While Leonard, Donaway and Collins were charged with assaults, Bennett's physicality was severe enough to warrant the attempted murder charge, authorities state.

Bennett is charged with attempted murder, burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, unlawful possession of a weapon (a handgun), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and aggravated assault. He faces $500,000 bail, no 10 percent option.

Leonard and Donaway were each charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and aggravated assault. Leonard is jailed in lieu of $250,000 bail, no 10 percent option, while Donaway faces $300,000 bail, no 10 percent option.

Collins is charged with conspiracy to commit burglary, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (nun chucks) and aggravated assault. He is jailed in lieu of $300,000 bail, no 10 percent option.

Grand juries also indicted:

• Marisol Barberi, 20, of Barnegat on charges of possessing cocaine and possessing cocain with intent to distribute.

Barberi was released on a summons.