By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Ocean County announced that on December 4, Kenneth Franke, 57, of Barnegat, was charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking in connection with incidents that occurred between January 2022 and December 2024 in Barnegat and Lacey Townships.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, Barnegat Township Police Department, and New Jersey Lottery Commission revealed that Franke was committing thefts of New Jersey Lottery tickets from vending machines at two Wawa convenience store locations in Barnegat Township, and another Wawa located in Lacey Township.
Continuing investigation revealed that Franke had illegally obtained over $50,000 worth of New Jersey Lottery tickets beginning in January 2022, County officials stated.
According to Ocean County officials, on December 4, detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad established surveillance on Franke as he entered one of the Wawa stores located in Barnegat.
Barnegat Police said Detectives observed Franke obtaining multiple lottery tickets from the vending machine without submitting proper payment.
Franke was taken into custody by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Barnegat Township Police Department without incident, County authorities stated.
Ocean County officials said he was transported to Barnegat Township Police Headquarters and served with the charge via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.