Bergen Man Faked Brain Tumor To Solicit Donations: Hillsdale Police

HILLSDALE, NJ — A Washington Township man scammed people out of money by claiming he needed it to fight a cancerous brain tumor, police said.

Joseph O'Connell, 29, was charged with theft by deception, said Hillsdale Police Detective William Dietrich.

Hillsdale Police received information in early October that O'Connell was receiving donations to help him in his fight against the tumor, Dietrich said. The tip questioned the veracity of O'Connell's illness and the legitimacy of his need for donations.

Police investigated and learned that O'Connell was not ill and was merely soliciting donations and food for his own personal use, Dietrick said.

O'Connell was arrested, charged and released by Hillsdale Police with a complaint summons, the detective said. He is scheduled to appear in Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court Wednesday, Nov. 1.

Anyone who donated money to O'Connell is asked to call Detective Sgt. Adam Hampton at 201-497-1537 or via email at AHampton@hillsdalepolice.com.

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Photo: Joseph O'Connell, 29/Hillsdale Police Department