OTPD: Theft By Deception And Theft At Church Arrests
Man steals brass collection plates & priest's robe; while another fails to deliver driveway repair work
Reported theft investigations this week led to the arrests of two men; one for stealing brass collection plates and the other for scamming an elderly woman out of $7,000.
Officials said Robert Cohan, 31, of Lakehurst was charged with theft by deception following his apprehension Friday in Marlboro for a similar crime.
Cohan is charged with portraying himself as a contractor who would conduct driveway repairs for an elderly woman. Although he was paid close to $7,000, the work was never completed, officials said.
He was remanded to Monmouth County Jail, pending a court appearance.
The second arrest came near 11:13 a.m. Wednesday.
Ernest C. Lathom, 40, of Oakhurst was charged with stealing First United Methodist Church of Oakhurst’s brass collection plates on Sept. 25.
When apprehended, Lathom was in possession of a Priest’s robe and items related to a robbery at an Asbury Park business.
Lathom was processed and released on a criminal summons, pending a future court appearance.
Both cases were investigated by Det. Jesse Orbach.
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