Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 27, 2026, David T. Schlendorf, 54, of Holladay, Utah, pled guilty to five counts of Theft by Deception and one count of Unauthorized Practice of Law before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P. At the time of his sentencing on July 17, 2026, the State will be seeking probation with the condition that Schlendorf has no contact with any of his victims. Additionally, Schlendorf will be required to make restitution in the amount of $70, 755.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau determined that in March of 2025, an individual in Toms River hired Schlendorf to represent him in connection with a legal matter, and that the individual paid Schlendorf approximately $10,000 for his services. The investigation further revealed that Schlendorf misrepresented himself as a licensed attorney. Schlendorf was disbarred in the State of New Jersey in December of 2022.
Schlendorf was taken into custody in Toms River by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Toms River Township Police Department on October 7, 2025. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Continuing investigation determined that between January 2023 and September 2025, five additional victims hired Schlendorf to represent them in connection with legal matters, paying Schlendorf approximately $60,000 for his services. Schlendorf was served with the additional charges via a summons pending upcoming appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Shanon Chant-Berry who is handling the case on behalf of the State and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau for their combined and collective efforts relative to this investigation.