Fort Lee New Jersey Theft SuspectPolice in Fort Lee NJ recently arrested a local man accused of stealing approximately half a million dollars from a senior citizen who lived in a nursing home.

According to Bergen County prosecutors, the suspect stole the money from the elderly victim over a period of several years – from 2009 to 2016. The suspect reportedly gained access to the victim’s money through a power of attorney granted to him by a court. This power of attorney allowed the suspect to access the victim’s investment account and personal checking account. The investment account reportedly had more than $900,000, while the bank account reportedly contained money from pension deposits and Social Security deposits.

The suspect was supposed to use the money to cover the costs of the assisted living facility where the victim resides. Instead, the suspect allegedly stole in excess of $500,000 and transferred it to his own personal bank accounts.

Someone eventually notified the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office White Collar Crimes Unit, which opened an investigation into the suspect.

The 33-year-old suspect is from Fort Lee, where he reportedly works as a preschool teacher. He faces multiple criminal charges, including first degree theft, theft by deception, money laundering, and neglect of an elderly person.

If the suspect is convicted on the most serious charges, he could end up behind bars in New Jersey State Prison for 20 years.

After being placed under arrest and charged, the suspect was transported to the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack, NJ. The suspect was being held at the jail on a $75,000 bail amount.

For additional information about this case, read the NJ.com article, “Preschool Teacher Stole $500K from Senior Citizen, Prosecutors Say.”