Fort Lee Police Arrest Maine Fugitive Wanted On $572K Theft: Report

FORT LEE, N.J. — Police arrested a Maine fugitive wanted for the theft of $572,000 from investors was arrested after a traffic stop in the borough July 15, police said.

Robert J. Howarth allegedly swindled investors out of the money they invested in a bogus clothing business, according to Maine officials. Investors allegedly contributed between $3,000 and $200,000 each to the business. Howarth allegedly told investors he would purchase last year's clothing from retailers at a reduced rate and sell the clothes overseas for a profit.

A warrant was issued for Howarth's arrest last May. He also went by the aliases "Robert Kim Lee" and "Robert Sachs."

Howarth, 62, allegedly tried to hide his identity when police pulled him over, policesaid in a NorthJersey.com report. Police believe Howarth had been living in the area for three years, according to the report.

Howarth was charged with hindering apprehension and obstructing the administration of the law, the report stated. He was being held in the Bergen County Jail, awaiting extradition to Maine, according to the report.

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Photo: Robert J. Howarth — Police mugshot