Manahawkin Woman, 2 Others Stole From Veteran's Org.: Prosecutor

LACEY, NJ — Three Southern Ocean residents, including a Manahawkin woman, were charged Thursday with embezzling thousands of dollars from a veteran's nonprofit. Two former Vetwork workers surrendered themselves to authorities, while one has a warrant out for his arrest, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

Vetwork assists Ocean County veterans with services such as obtaining employment and finding suitable housing. The three suspects embezzled money from the organization from February to June 2019, according to the OCPO.

"These defendants lined their pockets with money that was intended to help those who sacrificed so much for our country," said Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. "This type of conduct is truly shameful."

Mary Anne Dileo, of Manahawkin, served as office manager and was responsible for processing payroll, the OCPO said.

Jesse Violante, of Tuckerton, directed the organization during the relevant time period, the OCPO said. He was responsible for overseeing employees and certifying all expenses, according to authorities. Gary Mclain, of Little Egg Harbor, was responsible for community outreach, the OCPO said.

The board of directors commissioned an audit that revealed the employees took payroll beyond that of which they were entitled, the OCPO said. The board referred the matter to the OCPO's Economics Crimes Unit.

Authorities determined that Dileo received 26 duplicate payments worth $19,588, Violante got five extra payments totaling $5,855.20 and Mclain received five duplicate payments worth $4,972. The board did not authorize these payments, and they weren't included in documentation submitted to Ocean County for funding, the OCPO said.

Violante and Dileo surrendered themselves to law enforcement and were released pending a future court appearance. Anyone with information on Mclain's whereabouts can contact OCPO Det. Lindsey Llauget at 732-929-2027, ext. 3462.

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