Crime & Safety

Lacey Police Investigate Possible Telephone Fraud

Warrant, shoplifting and DUI arrests

Police are warning the community of a possible telephone fraud after a Lacey resident received a letter in the mail from someone posing as a bank, police said.

The victim reported that she received a letter on March 3 from “Comenity” Bank, instead of Community Bank, in Ohio, police said. The letter indicated that her PacSun credit card application was denied and included the phone number 866-668-5450 to call for questions.

The victim contacted the number and she was told she was a “victim of identity theft.” She provided the person on the phone with her personal information, including date of birth and social security number, police said.

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She later contacted Equifax, a consumer credit reporting agency, and informed them of the incident. Equifax confirmed that there was no PacSun credit card application inquires, police said.

The victim became concerned and contacted the Lacey Township Police Department. Sgt. DiBella was unsuccessful in contacting the provided phone number for “Comenity” Bank. Lacey Police provided the resident with information on how to protect her self.

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The matter is being investigated further to determine if the call was fraudulent in attempt to obtain personal information, police said.

Chief David Paprota provided the following information. 

March 10
At approximately 1:09 p.m., Officer Joseph Soto arrested Steven Beyer, 24, of Bayville on an outstanding warrant issued by Ocean Gate. Beyer posted bail and was released. 

March 9
At approximately 4:34 p.m., Officers Evan Androcy and Darrell Nick responded to Walmart on report of a female shoplifter being detained. Meagen Riggenbach, 28, of Forked River was arrested.

Riggenbach allegedly attempted to exit the store with two items concealed in her purse. The recovered property included an X-Box Live Starter Kit ($74.96) and Surround Sound Headphones ($159.96).

Riggenbach was taken into custody, transported to police headquarters, processed and released on a summons. 

March 9
Officer Jeffrey Slota arrested Devin DeMichele, 24, of Whiting at approximately 11:12 a.m. for an outstanding Tabernacle Warrant in the amount of $300. The Tabernacle Court authorized Devin DeMichele’s release on his own recognizance. 

March 7
At approximately 6:40 p.m., Officers Kymberly Gudgeon and Charles May responded to Walmart for a female shoplifter being detained. At the store, Natalie Jones, 31, of Forked River was arrested and taken into custody for allegedly concealing $128.22 of beauty products.

While being placed in custody, officers discovered she was in possession of drug paraphernalia and a controlled dangerous substance. Jones was charged with shoplifting, possession of CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was sent to the Ocean County Jail in default of $2,500 bail. 

March 7
At approximately 3:52 p.m., Officer Simonson responded to Walmart for a male shoplifter being detained. Louis A. Fulgoni, 44, of Toms River, was arrested and taken into custody for allegedly switching a price tag ($158 to a $100 tag).

Fulgoni was transported to Lacey Police Headquarters where he was processed and released after posting $500 bail. 


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