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Mansfield Township Landlord Pleads Not Guilty After Indictment Alleging Drugging, Sexual Assault of Tenants

Authorities are seeking additional potential victims through Mansfield Township police.

Overview

  • Craig M. Cardella, 60, was arraigned Tuesday in Burlington County Superior Court in Mount Holly and entered a not-guilty plea.
  • A December grand jury indictment charges him with 17 counts of first-degree kidnapping, 18 counts each of third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact, invasion of privacy and endangering another person, plus one count of fourth-degree stalking.
  • Prosecutors say the case involves two male tenants assaulted during separate multi-month periods while renting rooms in his home.
  • Investigators executing a search warrant reported finding chloroform, prescription sleep medication, medical masks, a camcorder and digital storage devices.
  • Prosecutors allege chloroform was used to prevent victims from waking, and they ask anyone with information to contact Detective Ken Allen of the Mansfield Township Police Department.