Bank Fraud Reported In Stafford, Police Say

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — A woman stole a Stafford resident's identity and used it to access their bank account, police said.

According to the Stafford Township Police Department, the case involved a December 2025 incident at TD Bank, 70 Banyard St. in New Brunswick. Police said a Stafford Township resident reported the matter after TD Bank notified the victim of a fraudulent transaction for $800 at that location.

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The investigation was concluded April 17, 2026, by the department's Detective Bureau. Police reported that the suspect used a New Jersey driver's license containing the victim's personal identifying information to gain access to the victim's account.

As a result of the investigation, police identified Linda Aquino, 63, of Rutherford Place in North Arlington, as the primary suspect. She was charged with one count of third-degree theft, one count of third-degree identity theft, and one count of third-degree knowingly exhibiting false identification, according to the department.

Police said the charges were approved on a criminal complaint warrant and forwarded to Hudson County Correctional Center, where Aquino was lodged at the time. On April 22, 2026, the Stafford Township Police Department took custody of Aquino and transported her to Ocean County Jail, where she was awaiting a hearing in Ocean County Superior Court, according to the department.