BREAKING: Scotch Plains, New Jersey Man Charged For Embezzlement

FORMER LONG BRANCH CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CHARGED FOR $1.6 MILLION EMBEZZLEMENT SCHEME

     "John O'Donnell Has Been Charged With Theft, Forgery, & False Uttering In Connection With A 14-Year Embezzlement Scheme."

Friday, January 12, 2024, 8:30 A.M. ET. By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

LONG BRANCH, NJ.- Following an investigation, a 57-Year-Old Scotch Plains, New Jersey, who was Formerly Employed as The Chief Financial Officer of a Low-Income High-Rise Apartment Building in Long Branch, New Jersey has been Formally Charged in connection with Stealing over $1.6 Million throughout a Span of 14-Years.

     According to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, in June 2023, an investigation was launched by Members of The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Financial Crimes and Public Corruptions Bureau, after the company that owns Washington Manor, which manages 100 Housing Units for Seniors and Disabled Residents on The 300 Block of Ocean Boulevard in Long Branch, discovered a $14,000. Life-Insurance Payout to John O'Donnell, 57, of Scotch Plains, New Jersey. The discovery prompted an Internal Audit of the company's finances.

     The investigation uncovered that from February 2009 into May 2023, Mr. O'Donnell issued just around 400 Unauthorized Checks from The Company's Operating Accounts to a Construction Firm that O'Donnell owned, totaling more than $1.6 Million. Many of the checks contained the Forged Signature of a Washington Manor Employee.

     Further investigation uncovered that O'Donnell used the Stolen Money for his Personal Expenses, such as Mortgage Payments. From December 2020 to May 2023, O'Donnell also used a Washington Manor Credit Card for Unauthorized Personal Purchases, including Home Renovations, Pool Services, and HAVC Repair, which totaled over $30,000.

     Accordingly, Mr. O'Donnell was Formally Charged with Second Degree Theft by Unlawful Taking; Third Degree Forgery; and Third Degree False Uttering. O'Donnell was Charged by a Complaint Summons and Released pending his First Appearance which has been Scheduled for February 20, 2024, in Monmouth County Superior Court in Freehold, New Jersey.

"The Rules Of The Court Require Us To Include A Statement, That States: The Charges Outlined In This Publication Are Merely Accusations And The Defendant And Or Defendants Are Presumed Innocent Unless And Until Proven Guilty Beyond Reasonable Doubt."

FILED UNDER: JANUAY 12, 2024: LAW, MONMOUTH: