Ex-NJ Captain Charged in Stealing from Defunct Rescue Squad

A 32-year-old former North Plainfield rescue squad captain stole $10,000 from the organization for about five years after it disbanded, authorities said.

Larry D. Lee, is charged with theft by deception, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office said Wednesday.

Investigators allege Lee, of North Plainfield, accessed the money by accepting and depositing purchase orders from 2014-18.

A spokesman for the prosecutor’s office declined to provide additional information, citing the ongoing investigation.

Lee’s attorney, Somerville-based James A. Abate denied that his client stole money.

“We are aware of the allegations and they are just that, allegations,” Abate wrote in an email. “Mr. Lee had a role in winding down a volunteer organization and acted on the advice and recommendations of professionals. I am confident that Mr. Lee will be cleared by the investigation being performed by the Somerset Prosecutor’s Office.”

Lee was arrested Oct. 7 and released after being charged.

Anyone with information is asked to call the prosecutor’s office at 908-231-7100 or North Plainfield police at (908) 769-2937. Anonymous information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers' Tip Line at 1-888-577-8477.

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