Netcong Man Charged With Superstorm Sandy Fraud

NETCONG, NJ— A Netcong man was charged with fraud after authorities say he filed false applications for Superstorm Sandy relief funds.

Randolph Colson, 65, was one of five charged for filing false applications, Attorney General Christopher Porrino announced on Thursday.

According to Porino, Colson filed applications for relief with FEMA and a state grant under the Homeowner Resettlement Program (RSP). He received $10,000 through a state grant, but withdrew his FEMA application before receiving anymore.

Colson allegedly told authorities his Sea Bright home was his primary residence during the storm, but authorities say that home is a summer/weekend home, and that Netcong is his primary residency.

The other four charges also made similar residency claims, Porino said.

“Stealing any type of public aid is reprehensible, but it’s especially egregious to steal relief funds in the context of a historic disaster, when every dollar is needed for recovery,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We’ll continue to pursue these prosecutions with our state and federal partners, so we can guard these funds and deter this type of criminal conduct in future emergencies.”

He is being charged with 3rd degree theft by deception. If found guilty, third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

Image via Shutterstock, NJ Attorney General