Suspect in Park Ridge, NJ Faces Felony Theft Charges for Allegedly Stealing $150,000 from an Elderly Neighbor

A Park Ridge woman was arrested and charged with multiple crimes after she allegedly defrauded a senior citizen out of more than $100K. The suspect in the fraud crime case is Kim Covello, a 62-year-old resident of Park Ridge in Bergen County, New Jersey. She has been accused of taking advantage of her 94-year-old neighbor and stealing funds through illegal means. According to Bergen County prosecutors, Covello got power of attorney over the victim in 2012. From 2012 to 2016, Covello allegedly used her power of attorney to withdraw approximately $150,000 from the victim’s bank accounts. Once the victim’s checking accounts and savings accounts had been drained, she was left with no money and had to rely on public assistance. Meanwhile, Covello allegedly used the stolen funds to pay for an addition to her Park Ridge home.

Law enforcement authorities received information about the alleged thefts in April 2017 and then launched an investigation into Covello. Detectives with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office spoke with the victim and the suspect and looked at financial records before obtaining a warrant for Covello’s arrest. At the end of March 2018, police officers placed Covello under arrest in Paramus, New Jersey.

Severe Penalties for Theft & Fraud in Park Ridge, New Jersey

Covello has been charged with theft and elder abuse. The theft charges have been classified as a felony-level offense because the amount of money that Covello allegedly stole from the victim exceeds $200. Under NJ law, a person who steals less than $200 is charged with a disorderly persons offense and can potentially be sentenced to six months in the county jail. However, when the total value of the property or money stolen is greater than $200, the charge is a felony and can result in prison time. In this case, Covello allegedly stole more than $75,000, so it’s a first degree crime that carries a potential penalty of 10-20 years in New Jersey State Prison. Additionally, a conviction would likely result in Covello being ordered to pay restitution to the victim.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Bergen County Theft Lawyer

Travis J. Tormey is an experienced Bergen County criminal defense attorney who represents clients charged with theft and fraud offenses in Hackensack, Paramus, Fort Lee, and everywhere else in the county. If you were arrested in Bergen County, NJ, contact Attorney Tormey today to schedule a free initial consultation about your case.

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