Manalapan Man Charged In $75K Mortgage Scam

MANALAPAN, NJ — A man who used to live in Manalapan but now lives in Florida turned himself in last Wednesday and is charged with stealing over $75,000 from a Sayreville couple after he offered to help them refinance their mortgage.

Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey announced today that a man from Florida has been charged

Robert Perniola, 58, is formerly of Manalapan but currently lives in Pompano Beach, Florida. He turned himself in to authorities at the Middlesex County Court House last Wednesday, Aug. 16.

According to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, between January 13, 2012 and February 28, 2014 Perniola was given more than $75,000 from a Sayreville couple after he falsely represented himself as someone that was assisting them in refinancing their mortgage. After the victims sent money to Perniola, he moved the money to other accounts and made personal purchases with the cash, prosecutors said.

When he turned himself in last Wednesday, Perniola was arrested and charged with theft by deception in the second degree and money laundering in the second degree.

The charges were filed following an investigation by Detective Kevin Schroeck of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation is active and is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Schroeck at (732) 745-3927.

Photo of Robert Perniola provided by the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.