EDISON — A retired township police captain faces charges for allegedly bilking the Police Department out of tens of thousands of dollars, authorities said.
Natale A. Fresco, 55, of Edison, was charged with third-degree theft after an investigation showed that he was employed as security director at Menlo Park Mall, Edison, from July 15 to Sept. 30, and collected more than $43,000 in sick pay from the township during that time, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and Edison police Chief Thomas Bryan.
The investigation by Detective Nicholas Chiorello of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined that Fresco, known as “Andy,” collected the sum before retiring on October 1, 2015.
“This office consistently investigates and prosecutes theft and corruption cases,” Carey said. “We will remain diligent in our efforts to target such behavior and we will seek restitution for the taxpayers wherever possible.”
The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Chiorello at 732-745-3300.