Men face burglary charges in Franklin

FRANKLIN — Two men were arrested on Thursday, May 28, after Franklin police received a report of a burglary and theft from a residence in the borough.

Jack W. Asencio, 34, of Newton was charged with burglary, criminal mischief and theft, and Eric Strunk, 19, of Franklin was charged with burglary, theft, possession of a controlled dagnerous substance and other related narcotic offenses.

Franklin detectives investigated and found that a residence on Main Street had been burglarized and several items of the house were damaged and missing, some of which was copper piping. It appeared piping used for plumbing had been removed. Police said it further appeared that piping attached to a fuel tank also was removed. At this time, police said the damage to the residence appears to exceed over $3,000.

Asencio was arrested on Main Street near the residence he is alleged to have burglarized. Strunk was arrested on Route 23 near the Hess Service Station in Franklin. Police allege Strunk has assisted in the burglary. He also is alleged to have been in possession of several hundred dollars worth of heroin and drug paraphernalia. Police said he was found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Police said Asencio identified himself as a member of the gang, Netas.

They were sent to the Sussex County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail. Investigation is ongoing and additional arrests may follow.