Gavel (Credit: Brian Turner/Flickr)
The former treasurer at Point Pleasant Beach Fire Company No. 2 has pleaded guilty to a charge of theft following allegations he stole more than $100,000 from the coffers of the volunteer department.
Salvatore Umek, 46, of Point Pleasant Beach, pled guilty to the theft count before Superior Court Judge Dina Vicari earlier this week, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office announced.
At the time of his sentencing on Sept. 20, 2024, the state will be seeking a term of five years New Jersey state prison, as well as restitution in the amount of $107,517.
According to prosecutors, an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Point Pleasant Beach Police Department revealed that between February 2019 and November 2021, Umek – in his capacity as Treasurer for the Fire Company – unlawfully transferred funds from the organization’s bank account to pay off personal credit card debt in the amount of approximately $100,000. Umek also transferred a sum of money directly into his personal bank account, and utilized the funds for his own benefit.
On July 12, 2023, Umek surrendered himself at Point Pleasant Beach Police headquarters. He was processed and served with the charge via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
“Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Heisler who is handling the case on behalf of the state, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Point Pleasant Beach Police Department for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation, leading to Umek’s guilty plea, and soon his state prison sentence,” Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said.
There was no photograph of Umek available. He was not listed as an inmate in the Ocean County Jail pending sentencing.
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