WALL — A Toms River man is facing theft and identity theft charges after police accused him of collecting payments from customers of a business that had fired him months earlier.
Christopher T. Ross, 37, was taken into custody August 15 following an investigation that began in April, according to the Wall Township Police Department.
Investigators said Ross was dismissed from his sales representative position at a local business Feb. 9 but allegedly continued contacting established clients afterward. Police said he asked customers to send payments through Zelle while falsely claiming he was still managing their accounts.
Subpoenaed financial records showed the money was transferred into Ross’ personal bank account and spent on personal expenses, authorities said.
Ross was charged by warrant with two counts of third-degree theft by deception and one count of third-degree identity theft.
Police obtained warrants for Ross on July 3 and listed him as wanted in law enforcement databases. Patrolman Vincent Colucci took custody of Ross from Beachwood police Aug. 15 and transported him to Wall Township police headquarters for processing.
Ross was later lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending a court appearance.
Detective Tyler Driscoll led the investigation.
The charges are accusations. Ross is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
