Manager Charged with Skimming At Least $75K from Commuter Station ATM

A Toms River commuter station manager allegedly stole at least $75,000 over several years from an ATM machine located where he worked, authorities announced Wednesday.

Robert Pentz, 38, of Toms River, was charged with second degree theft, as authorities charge that he stole money from the ATM machine at the 400 Highland Parkway South bus and commuter facility, said Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office spokesman Al Della Fave.

Authorities allege that between 2009 and April of this year Pentz, who served as the facility manager for the past five years, took $75,000 or more in cash from an ATM machine at the site, Della Fave said.

Among his managerial duties was assuring that the onsite ATM machine had readily available cash for patrons, according to Della Fave.

The thefts were uncovered as a result of a routine audit in early April. Pentz was immediately suspended without pay while the investigation moved forward, Della Fave said.

Pentz is free on $50,000 bail, no 10 percent option. If convicted, the charge carries a possible five to 10 year term in state prison, Della Fave said.

Law enforcement authorities are continuing the investigation with the help of Toms River Parking Authority officials to determine a more exact figure, Della Fave said.

Pentz, accompanied by his attorney, Bradley Billhimer of Toms River, surrendered to detectives Wednesday at the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Della Fave said.