LACEY – A Township man has admitted to forging checks and more, stealing over $200,000 from the victim who suffered medical issues.
Ross Miserendino, 56, of Lacey Township, pled guilty to Theft. At the time of his sentencing on November 4, the State will be recommending a term of five years New Jersey State Prison.
Since the beginning of 2019, the Lacey Township Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad conducted an investigation regarding the victim who temporarily couldn’t manage her finances due to medical bills. The victim allowed Miserendino, with whom she was in a romantic relationship, to assist her by paying her bills for her, and was given access to her checks and bank account information for that purpose.
From 2019 to 2020, Miserendino signed the victim’s name without her authorization on 146 checks totaling $171,000. Most of the checks were written out to Enrique Roldan, 42, of Jackson, while some were written directly to Miserendino. According to authorities, both Roldan and Miserendino shared in the proceeds of the theft.
In addition, during that time Miserendino stole approximately $11,000 worth of personal property located at the victim’s home in Lacey. Miserendino also possessed an American Express credit card in the victim’s name without her authorization, and made approximately $34,000 worth of charges on that card for his benefit.
On June 23 and 24, 2021, both Roldan and Miserendino were charged with Theft. They were processed and released on a summons pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court. The charges against Roldan remain pending, officials said.
On August 31, it was announced that Miserendino pled guilty to Theft. In addition to the recommended term, he will be required to make restitution to the victim in the amount of $217,300.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledged the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Heisler and Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Kelly who have handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Lacey Township Police Department, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation resulting in today’s guilty plea, and soon, Miserendino’s state prison sentence.
