South Belmar Fireman, A Brielle Resident, Indicted For Stealing Check For Car

A 41-year-old Brielle man was indicted Thursday for allegedly failing to make good on a promise to use a Bradley Beach man's check to buy a car, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.

Clifford Russell Jr., 41, who "owned and operated a car care business formerly located at 1800 Main St. in Lake Como" took a check from Alfred Cooley, 56, of Bradley Beach, purportedly to purchase a car for Cooley, police said.

Russell was charged with theft by deception in connection with the Oct. 8, 2013 incident, according to court records.

On Oct. 21, 2013, Cooley told Lake Como police that he provided Russell Jr. with the check to purchase a vehicle, police said.

"The check was cashed by Mr. Russell but the vehicle was never turned over to Mr. Cooley," said police in a prepared statement. "The vehicle has since been sold to another buyer."

"Russell is a volunteer fireman with the South Belmar Fire Department as well as the South Belmar First Aid Captain," police said. 

"Upon an in-depth investigation conducted by Detective. P. Bohrman #118 and the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office, Mr. Russell was arrested and charged with 3rd degree theft by Det. P. Bohrman on Jan. 13," police said.