Landlord accused of drugging, molesting tenants in Burlington County, New Jersey

MANSFIELD TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- A Mansfield Township man has been indicted on 72 charges after police say he drugged and sexually assaulted at least two men for several months who rented rooms in his home, according to court documents.

Investigators say the alleged assaults by 60-year-old Craig Cardella began in 2020.

One resident described the situation as "sad and frightening."

Neighbors who asked not to be identified said they were stunned to learn of the allegations involving the home on Greenbrook Drive.

"It's awful," one neighbor said. "It's crazy the fact that they're houses down."

The investigation started in December 2024, when one victim reported waking up to Cardella in his bed, sexually assaulting him.

According to the criminal complaint, "Cardella placed a silicone mask over his mouth and nose. He smelled an odor coming from the mask that he described as smelling like permanent markers."

The complaint states the victim felt groggy and terrified and pretended to be asleep.

One neighbor said he rarely saw Cardella.

"Maybe seen him four times throughout the five years we've lived here. Haven't seen him much at all," the neighbor said.

During a search of the home, police found a safe containing masks, a camcorder, hard drives, glass bottles with chloroform, prescription sleep medication, and SD cards. Detectives believe the chloroform was used to keep victims from waking up.

Residents expressed concern for the tight-knit neighborhood.

"Having two little kids, and in the community there's a lot of other little kids around here, so we don't need any of that over here," a neighbor said.

Another resident added, "When you pick a neighborhood, you think this is a safe neighborhood, this is a good area, my kids would be safe, they can go and walk outside. But then they're not because you don't know who is living in a house next to you."

Police are urging potential victims to come forward.

"They're probably afraid to speak up, and there's going to be a lot of psychological trauma that everybody has to go through," a neighbor said.

Cardella pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Tuesday.

He is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 17. His attorney declined to comment.

Prosecutors say anyone who believes they were victimized by Cardella is asked to contact Detective Allen at allen@mansfieldpd.org.