Prosecutor: Lakewood Pair Created Phony FEMA Aid Award Letter

Authorities in Ocean County have charged two Lakewood men with fraudulently creating a FEMA award letter promising $150,000 in Superstorm Sandy aid in order to secure a bank loan for their business.

David Faria, 42, and Chaim Gottlieb, 42, were arrested Wednesday and face charges of theft by deception, theft, and falsifying records.

According to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, investigators began looking into the activities of the pair after they presented an award letter to OceanFirst Bank, claiming approval for a $150,000 grant from FEMA. The bank's
Fraud and Security Department eventually contacted authorities.

It is alleged that the defendants hoped the letter would convince the bank to approve a loan in excess of $75,000 in order to purchase two vehicles from Ford Motor Company for their Ocean County Search & Rescue Company located in Lakewood, the prosecutor's office said in a statement.

"With the help of FEMA officials the letter was confirmed fraudulent and no monies were ever awarded to the defendant or their company," Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato said.

The two men were arrested early Wednesday afternoon at their Lakewood residences.

Faria was lodged in the Ocean County Jail in default of $25,000 cash bail set by Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels. Gottlieb was free on bail.

The arrest warrants were executed by Ocean County Prosecutor Detectives James Conroy, Brad Frank and Amanda O'Mara, with assistance from the Lakewood Police Department, officials said.