Beminster Local Scammed, Sends $70K To Man On Match.com

BEDMINSTER, NJ — A Bedminster resident sent $70,000 to a man she met on Match.com, which turned out to be a scam, according to the police blotter.

The woman reported on Aug. 28 at 12:08 p.m., that she met “Peter Duchartz” on Match.com who convinced her to send thousands of dollars to him via cashier’s checks and credit cards because he was in trouble.

Since July she gave him $70,000. She said she realized this was a scam, but was scared what would happen if she did not follow through, according to the blotter.

Other Bedminster Police Blotter items:

On Aug. 22 at 9:31 a.m.: Bedminster Police responded to Parkside Road for a report of a suspicious incident. Upon arrival the officer spoke with the complainant who advised sometime between 10 p.m. on Aug.19 and 10 a.m. on Aug. 20 the rear license plate of his vehicle was bent upward. The incident was documented.

On Aug. 22 at 9:15 p.m.: Bedminster Police initiated a motor vehicle stop on a beige Cadillac Escalade on Route 287 southbound at mile marker 21.7. Subsequent to the investigation, Peter Merkel, 45 of Howell was arrested for driving under the influence and issued motor vehicle summonses for disregard of a traffic control device and failure to stop for an emergency vehicle.

On Aug. 23 at approximately 5:55 p.m.: Bedminster Police were advised of an arrest made by Mount Olive Police of, Samantha Desronvil, 20 of Union. Desronvil was arrested on a Bedminster Twp traffic warrant for $339. Desronvil posted bail and with a new court date.

On Aug. 23 at 9:54 p.m.: Bedminster Police responded to Coldwell Banker (301 Route 202/206 South) for a request of public assistance. Upon arrival the officer was advised that they believed a man, Jeffrey Grau, was living in their unlocked shed located at the back of the parking lot. Upon entry into the shed Grau’s belongings were located. The officer attempted to contact Grau via telephone numbers listed on the paperwork located in the shed to no avail. Coldwell Banker was advised that it was their right to remove his items; they were also advised to lock the shed to prevent further incidents.

On Aug. 24 at 8:25 p.m.: Bedminster Police were traveling south on Route 202/206 in the far left lane of travel behind a grey Nissan Altima. Upon entering the vicinity of the 287 South entrance ramp, the Nissan went from the far left lane to the far right lane in an attempt to get on the 287 South entrance ramp. Subsequent to the motor vehicle stop, John Debellis Jr., 49 of Warren was arrested on a no bail warrant out of Union County for child support and was issued motor vehicle summonses for suspended driver’s license and unsafe lane change. Debellis was turned over to Union County Sheriffs.

On Aug. 25 at 5:36 a.m.: Bedminster Police initiated a motor vehicle stop on a black Ford Pickup truck with a Pennsylvania registration for a speeding violation. Subsequent to the investigation, Charles Vanwinkle Jr., 48 of Hanryville, PA was arrested on a traffic warrant out of Parsippany for $90 and issued a motor vehicle summons for speeding. Vanwinkle posted bail.

On Aug. 25 at approximately 2:10 p.m.: Bedminster Police responded to Rte. 206 in the area of Lamington Road for a report of a box truck on fire. Upon arrival the officer observed a box truck with liquid, possibly transmission fluid, leaking from the bottom of the truck and sparks coming from the bottom. A gas attendant from the Shell Gas station brought over a fire extinguisher and extinguished the sparks. The Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department responded and confirmed the vehicle was safe.

On Aug. 25 at 2:33 p.m.: A T-mobile employee reported 4 batteries stolen from the cell site at 208 Hillside Avenue. The employee advised upon arrival the gate was locked and there was no visible damage to gain entry to the cell site. He stated the battery doors were also closed and that the doors were locked and you needed a special tool in order to gain access to the cell units without causing damage. Investigation is pending.

On Aug. 28 at 5:20 a.m.: Bedminster Police initiated a motor vehicle stop on a black Mazda 3 on Route 287 southbound at mile marker 22. Prior to the stop, the officer was running radar in the shoulder of Route 202/206 south at the intersection of River Road when the Mazda was observed with the passenger side headlight out as well as something dragging under the vehicle. Subsequent to the investigation, Jared Dornfeld, 26 of Westfield was arrested for driving under the influence and issued motor vehicle summonses for maintenance of lamps, careless driving, leaving the scene of an accident and failure to report.

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