Lower Township Man Charged with Theft for Misuse of Social Services Benefits

The following is based on information received from a law enforcement agency. The person(s) named is innocent until proven otherwise in court.
CREST HAVEN – Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland, Freeholder Jeffrey Pierson (Health and Human Services liaison), and county Department of Human Services Department Head Donna Groome announced an arrest was made as the result of a joint investigation into theft from  Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Cards and the misuse of temporary housing provided through Code Blue alerts.
According to a release, in March 2019 the Cape May County Division of  Social Services informed the County Prosecutor’s Office of the unauthorized use of EBT cards. A joint investigation was conducted by detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office and investigators from Social Services.
As a result of that investigation, Richard Montgomery, 66, from Lower Township, was arrested and charged with theft by deception March 11.
The investigation revealed that Montgomery had allegedly fraudulently used  the EBT card of a former roommate who was deceased since July 2018. 
According to Sutherland the amount of  the theft was over $300 and  Montgomery was released with a summons pending court proceedings.  
Sutherland stated this joint investigation into theft and misuse of Social Services benefits provided by the county is continuing and ongoing and that  additional arrests and charges may be filed.  
He further stated his office would continue to work hand in hand with the Division of Social Services to stop any and all fraudulent use of Social Services benefits and that violators would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Sutherland continued to urge the citizens of Cape May County to report any information regarding this investigation or any criminal activity within the community and this information can be reported anonymously through the  Cape May County Sheriff’s Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip.
Additionally, they can report it to Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-465-2800, or the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135.