POINT PLEASANT BEACH – A local man has pled guilty to stealing funds from a local fire company he formerly worked for, officials said.
Salvatore Umek, 46, of Point Pleasant Beach, pled guilty to Theft in connection with his former position as Treasurer for the Point Pleasant Beach Fire Company Number 2.
At the time of his sentencing on September 20, the State will be seeking a term of five years New Jersey State Prison, as well as restitution in the amount of $107,517.
According to authorities, between February 2019 and November 2021, Umek unlawfully transferred funds during that time from the organization’s bank account to pay off personal credit card debt, totaling about $100,000.
Umek also transferred a sum of money directly into his personal bank account, and utilized the funds for his own benefit, officials said.
On July 12, 2023, Umek surrendered himself to Point Pleasant Beach Police Headquarters. He was processed and served with the charge via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledged the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Heisler who is handling the case on behalf of the State, and commended the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Point Pleasant Beach Police Department for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation, leading to Umek’s guilty plea, and soon his state prison sentence.
