MONMOUTH COUNTY – A truck driver has been charged with theft after stealing wholesale quantities of Red Bull valued at more than $27,000, officials said.
Christopher L. Hammond, 36, of the Oakhurst section of Ocean Township was charged with third-degree Theft by Unlawful Taking, fourth-degree Forgery and fourth-degree False Uttering.
The theft occurred in June and July of 2021 at a Wall-based beverage distribution center, authorities said. Hammond was supposed to have delivered the energy drinks to local businesses for sale, but neither of two large shipments he picked up went to their destinations.
Police said Hammond forged two bogus invoices for the Red Bull and the whereabouts of the stolen drinks are still unknown.
If convicted, Hammond face a up to five years in state prison.
“We at the Prosecutor’s Office remain committed to vigorously investigating and prosecuting significant instances of theft – regardless of the type of item stolen,” Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey said. “And we thank the tireless efforts of our partners with the Wall Township Police Department for their assistance in this case.”
Charges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.
