Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on December 4, 2024, Kenneth Franke, 57, of Barnegat, was charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking in connection with incidents that occurred between January 2022 and December 2024 in Barnegat and Lacey Townships.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, Barnegat Township Police Department, and New Jersey Lottery Commission, revealed that Franke was committing thefts of New Jersey Lottery tickets from vending machines at two Wawa convenience store locations in Barnegat Township, and another Wawa located in Lacey Township. Continuing investigation revealed that Franke had illegally obtained over $50,000 worth of New Jersey Lottery tickets beginning in January 2022.
On December 4, 2024, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad established surveillance on Franke as he entered one of the Wawa stores located in Barnegat. Detectives observed Franke obtaining multiple lottery tickets from the vending machine without submitting proper payment. Franke was taken into custody by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Barnegat Township Police Department without incident. He was transported to Barnegat Township Police Headquarters, and served with the charge via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, Barnegat Township Police Department, and New Jersey Lottery Commission, for their combined and collective assistance in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).