A LACEY TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT DISPATCHER HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH MISAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDS
" Matthew Bender A Police Dispatcher Has Been Charged With Theft From Lanoka Harbor Emergency Medical Services."
July 2, 2021 By Art Fletcher Reporting For: Englebrook Independent News,
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ.- On Friday, July 2, 2021, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on Thursday, July 1, 2021 Matthew Bender, 33, of Lacey Township, New Jersey has been arrested and Charged with Theft.
The charge is a result of an investigation conducted by The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Economic Crime Squad. The investigation revealed that Bender, a volunteer with The Lanoka Harbor Emergency Medical Services (LHEMS) and a current Dispatcher with The Lacey Township Police Department, was responsible for maintaining The LHEMS Website. Bender also had access to The LHEMS PayPal Account.
On February 2, 2021, LHEMS was awarded a grant from Benevity, an Organization that facilitates grants on behalf of The Macy's Corporation. The investigation revealed that the grant money was disbursed to The LHEMS PayPal Account managed by Bender.
Further investigation revealed that approximately $4690.00 was transferred from The LHMES PayPal Account to Bender's personal PayPal Account. The investigation also revealed numerous purchases, in small denominations for various Restaurants, Pharmacies, and Auto Parts Stores, confirming that the grant money was not used for the benefit of The LHEMS. It was determined that Bender misappropriated these funds, for personal use.
Bender was processed at The Berkeley Township Police Department and released on a summons pending future court date.
Ocean County Prosecutor Billhimer would like acknowledge The Law Enforcement Agencies that participated in the investigation resulting in the arrest of Matthew Bender.
" The Rules Of The Court Require Us To Include A Statement, Which States: The Charges Are Merely Accusations And The Defendant And Or Defendants Are Presumed Innocent Unless And Until Proven Guilty Beyond Reasonable Doubt."
FILED UNDER JULY 2, 2021: LAW, OCEAN: