Norristown Man Bribed Thousands From Hurricane Sandy Victims

NORRISTOWN, PA — A Norristown man and former New Jersey Department of Community Affairs employee solicited thousands in fraudulent frees from Sandy victims, officials said.

Ronald Golden, 43, faces numerous charges, including bribery, theft by deception, and related counts.

Golden was employed in Newark, New Jersey for the Department from May through Oct. of 2014, and was tasked with assisting victims of Hurricane Sandy recover from the storm. Over a period of several months, he convinced victims to pay him $5,770 in bribes and fictitious fees, claiming he could deliver them additional federal relief funds, or process their claims more quickly, authorities said.

Golden would create elaborate fictions to convince victims to pay him. He told one victim he was a lawyer and that he required a $200 "retainer fee," according to officials.

"For an aid worker to exploit vulnerable disaster victims and prey upon their desire to rebuild their lives as quickly as possible, as alleged here, is absolutely unconscionable," New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said in a statement.

In addition, Golden is charged with identity theft because used his father's date of birth and Social Security number on his job application. Officials said he wanted to avoid disclosing details about himself.

The case is being prosecuted in Essex County, New Jersey. Golden faces five to 10 years for second degree bribery, an additional three to five years for third degree theft, and 18 months for fourth degree identity theft. He also faces more than $150,000 in fines.

Authorities said 220 people have been charged for Sandy-related fraud.

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