$217K Stolen From Sick Girlfriend, Lacey Man Sentenced: Prosecutor

LACEY, NJ — The Lacey man who stole $217,300 from his sick romantic partner by forging checks, opening up a credit card in her name and stealing items from her home was sentenced to State Prison on Nov. 4, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Ross Miserendino, 56, was sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison after he pleaded guilty to theft, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Miserendino will also have to pay $217,300 to his partner in restitution, Billhimer said.

Beginning in 2019, Miserendino's romantic partner began suffering from medical issues, which caused her to be temporarily unable to manage her finances, according to an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Economic Crime Squad and Lacey Township Police Department, Billhimer said.

Miserendino agreed to help pay her bills, and was given access to her checks and bank account information, Billhimer said.

Between 2019 and 2020, Miserendino forged his girlfriend's signature on 146 checks, totaling $171,000, Billhimer said. The majority of the checks were made out to Enrique Roldan, 43, of Jackson, he said, while others were made out directly to Miserendino. Roldan was also charged with theft, which is currently pending, Billhimer said.

During that same time period, Miserendino also stole about $11,000 worth of property from his partner's Lacey home, Billhimer said.

Miserendino also took out an American Express card in his girlfriend's name without her permission, racking up about $34,000 worth of charges for his own benefit, Billhimer said.

Miserendino and Roldan were charged with theft on June 23, 2021 and June 24, 2021, respectively, Billhimer said.

Miserendino pleaded guilty on Aug. 31, 2022.