Lacey Man Stole More Than $200K From Girlfriend: Prosecutor

LACEY, NJ — A Lacey man admitted to stealing more than $200,000 from his romantic partner through various methods, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Ross Miserendino, 56, pleaded guilty to theft on Aug. 31, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. He will be sentenced on Nov. 4, and the State will recommend a sentence of five years in New Jersey State Prison, Billhimer said. Additionally, Miserendino will have to pay $217,300 in restitution to the victim, he said.

Beginning in 2019, Miserendino's girlfriend 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, Misrendino also stole about $11,000 worth of property from his girlfriend'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.

Billhimer acknowledged the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Heisler and Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Kelly who have handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Lacey Township Police Department, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation resulting in today’s guilty plea, and soon, Miserendino’s state prison sentence.