FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office announced the arrest of Bruno Lopes-Ferreira, 30, a former Special Law Enforcement Officer in Long Branch, charged with several financial crimes.
The charges include second-degree Criminal Usury and Engaging in the Business of Criminal Usury, as well as third-degree Possession of Usurious Loan Records.
Long Branch Police Department Detective Daniel Cunha led the investigation, revealing that Lopes-Ferreira operated an illegal money loaning scheme, targeting the Brazilian-American community.
His victims reported exorbitant interest rates and unlawful retention of personal items as collateral. Lopes-Ferreira’s activities reportedly began during his tenure as a SLEO.
He has been served with charges via summons, with a court appearance scheduled for Tuesday, December 19, in Monmouth County Superior Court. Details regarding his legal representation remain undisclosed.