VILLAS — When Lower Township Detective Edward Dougherty, who is in charge of Megan’s Law compliance in the municipality, checked on Tuesday, Sept. 23 to verify the residence of Jose Varona, he was not at the address police had on file.

Dougherty and Detective Ashley Hand, of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, spoke with the homeowner at the address, and learned that Varona had moved the prior week.

Varona was located by Dougherty staying at the Sweet Briar Motel on Bayshore Road, Villas.

Varona, 29, was charged with failure to notify Lower Township Police Department of his change of address, which is a fourth degree crime.