June 26, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Acting Chief of Investigations Joseph A. Cannatella, and Morris Township Police Chief Michael Loughman announce the arrest of Michael Weinberg on charges of Theft By Deception, Theft By Failure To Make Required Disposition of Property Received and Bad Checks.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and the Morris Township Police Department. In the fall of 2006, a joint investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and the Morris Township Police Department began after complaints were received concerning the defendant's business practices. It was determined that the defendant had accepted monies from at least six (6) victims for deposits on real estate. The investigation further revealed that the defendant accepted money from investors promising access to properties subject to foreclosure or subject to municipal tax liens. It is estimated that the defendant received in excess of $200,000 from investors who allege the money was never returned and no properties were obtained.

The defendant, who is 53 years old and resides in Sparta, New Jersey, was arrested without incident at his place of business, NJ Realty and Development, located at 4 Old Turnpike Road in Morris Township. Defendant was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $250,000 cash bail. The investigation remains open and anyone with information is encouraged to contact D/Sgt. Manning at the Morris Township Police Department, 973-326-7486, or the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Fraud Unit at 973-285-6200.

Despite these pending charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a jury trial at which the defendant has all of his rights guaranteed by the U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions and relevant state law.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
(973) 285-6222