Freehold Woman, 90, Indicted In Theft Of $1.4M From Sister

FREEHOLD, NJ — A 90-year-old Freehold woman who had power of attorney over an elderly sister's affairs is among six people who have been indicted on charges they stole more than $1.4 million from the sister, the Monmouth County prosecutor's office announced Thursday.

Concetta Amato, 90, of Freehold, who along with her son, Vincent Amato, had power of attorney over the victim's affairs was indicted on charges of second-degree theft of moveable property, second-degree theft by failure to make required disposition, second-degree theft of identity, and second-degree conspiracy to commit theft of movable property, Prosecutor Christopher J Gramiccioni said.

Also indicted on those charges were Vincent Amato, 57, of Middletown; Maria Sanzillo, 59, and Peter Sanzillo, 72, both of Staten Island, who are the victim's niece and nephew; Alia Alquran, 31, of Florida, the victim's great-niece; and Lorrie Martin, 55, of Matawan, who is Vincent Amato’s business partner.

Investigators from the prosecutor's office and Colts Neck police learned that after the victim's husband died in November 2012, Concetta and Vincent were given power of attorney due to the woman's diminished mental capacities, and took control of the woman's finances.

Authorities allege the five family members and Martin then defrauded the woman out of the majority of her estate between September 2013 and July 2017.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Joshua D. Detzky.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office has a corruption tip line for those who want to report cases of corruption, fraud, and misconduct occurring in local governmental agencies. Citizens may report concerns via the following: Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Corruption Tip Line — 855-7-UNJUST (855-786-5878); or, email – corruption@mcponj.org (write “Corruption/Misconduct Tip” in the subject line).

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