LACEY – Two residents have been charged with Theft after forging checks and more, stealing approximately $216,000 in total.
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 Ross Miserendino, 55, of Lacey Township, who 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. 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 Township. 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 25, both Roldan and Miserendino were charged with Theft. Miserendino was also charged with one count of Theft, Uttering a Forged Instrument, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card and Making a False Statement in Procuring Issuance of a Credit Card.
Miserendino and Roldan were processed and released on a summons pending a future court date.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Lacey Township Police Chief Michael DiBella would like to acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and the Lacey Township Police Department for their collaborative efforts in this investigation.
These charges are merely accusations and the public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
