Matawan Couple Charged With Filing False Sandy Claims

MATAWAN, NJ — A Matawan couple was charged Friday with filing false claims when their Manahawkin beach house was damaged in Hurricane Sandy.

Barry Benevento, 72, and his wife, Karen Benevento, 70, of Matawan, allegedly filed fraudulent applications following Superstorm Sandy for a low-interest SBA disaster-relief loan and state grants under the Homeowner Resettlement Program (RSP) and the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation (RREM) Program, the New Jersey Attorney General charges.

So far, 112 people have been charged with filing fraudulent Sandy claims since March 2014, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office said. In nearly all the alleged incidents, the homeowners claimed their beach houses were their primary residences so they could be reimbursed with federal funds. A third person was similarly charged Friday alongside the Matawan couple: Diane DiCosmo, 74, of Fair Lawn, claimed her Lavallette home was her primary residence, the state said.

State investigators say the Beneventos falsely claimed in their applications that a home they own on Mary Jeanne Lane in Manahawkin, which was damaged by Superstorm Sandy, was their primary residence when Sandy struck. However, the state says they actually live full time in Matawan, and the Manahawkin home was a seasonal/weekend home.

As a result, the couple allegedly received a total of approximately $127,388 in relief funds to which they were not entitled: An $8,600 SBA loan, a $10,000 RSP grant and $108,788 in RREM grant funds.

Barry and Karen Benevento are each charged with second-degree theft by deception.

Someone found guilty of theft by deception could face up to five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.

Photos released by the state Attorney General.