Bergen Trio Charged In Superstorm Sandy Fraud Investigation: AG

WYCKOFF, NJ — A township man and a husband and wife from Tenafly were three of the latest four people charged with filing false applications for Superstorm Sandy relief funds, authorities announced Thursday.

Michael A Avena, 65, of Wyckoff and Charles Tuohy, 55, and his wife Joanne Benzoni, 64, of Tenafly, were each charged with second-degree theft by deception and fourth-degree unsworn falsification, Attorney General Christopher Porrino announced. Paul Belotta, 56, of Colonia was also charged.

Filing charges against the four people now brings the total number of people charged in connection with filing false applications for Sandy relief funds to 100 and the total amount of relief funds diverted to nearly $6 million, Porrino said.

Avena allegedly filed fraudulent applications for nearly $202,000 of FEMA assistance and grants from three state-run programs.

Avena allegedly falsely claimed in his applications that a home he owns in Ortley Beach, which was damaged by Sandy, was his primary residence when the storm him, Porrino said. Avena's primary residence at the time was in Wyckoff.

Tuohy and Benzoni received more than $162,000 in relief funds they were not entitled to, Porrino said. They allegedly falsely claimed that their Sandy-damaged Manahawkin home was their primary residence when it was reportedly in Tenafly, Porrino said.

“Charging 100 defendants in these relief-fraud cases is a sad milestone in that it highlights how many people are willing, in the face of a historic disaster, to dishonestly exploit an offer of aid meant for those who were hardest hit,” said Porrino. “At the same time, we’re proud of our collaborative efforts, which have recovered millions of dollars and sent an unmistakable message that those who commit this fraud will face serious criminal charges, now and during any future disasters.”

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Photos, from left: Michael A Avena, 65, Charles Tuohy, 55, and Joanne Benzoni, 64/Courtesy of New Jersey Attorney General's Office, background image via Shutterstock