A former Manalapan resident has been charged with stealing more than $75,000 from a Sayreville couple.
Robert Perniola, 58, who now lives in Pompano Beach, Florida, turned himself in to authorities at the Middlesex County Court House on Aug. 16, according to information provided by Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey.
Perniola is charged with theft by deception in the second degree and money laundering in the second degree.
It was determined that between Jan. 13, 2012, and Feb. 28, 2014, Perniola allegedly obtained funds in excess of $75,000 from a Sayreville couple by falsely representing himself as someone who was assisting them in refinancing their mortgage, according to the statement. After the victims sent money to Perniola, he reportedly moved the money to other accounts and/or made personal purchases, Carey said.
Anyone with information should call Detective Kevin Schroeck of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-3927.