FLEMINGTON, N.J. – The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office has charged the chief financial officer for Franklin Township with theft by deception following an investigation into an alleged payroll fraud scheme involving township accounts.
Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson announced Friday that Cameron T. Keng, 39, of Fort Lee, was arrested on Aug. 4 and charged with one count of third-degree theft by deception.
According to prosecutors, the investigation began in June after Unity Bank detected suspicious payroll fee transactions involving Franklin Township during an internal review.
Bank investigation led to criminal charges
Prosecutors said the bank identified what investigators described as an alleged double-billing scheme and reported its findings to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office.
“During the course of that investigation, the bank identified an alleged double-billing scheme and reported its findings to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office,” the prosecutor’s office said in a news release.
Detectives from the prosecutor’s office arrested Keng on Aug. 4 after conducting their investigation. Authorities have not released additional details about how the alleged scheme operated or the amount of money involved.
The investigation remains active.
Defendant released pending court proceedings
Keng made his initial court appearance with provisional representation by attorney Jada Mayson and was released pending further proceedings.
He is scheduled to appear before Superior Court Judge Christopher J. Garrenger for a pre-indictment conference on Sept. 14.
Under New Jersey law, a third-degree conviction may carry a prison sentence of three to five years and a fine of up to $15,000, although any sentence would ultimately be determined by the court if there is a conviction.
Cases involving municipal financial officials often receive heightened scrutiny because chief financial officers oversee taxpayer funds, municipal budgets, payroll operations, and other public finances. The allegations remain under investigation, and prosecutors have not indicated whether additional charges or defendants are expected.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact Detective Sgt. William Svard or Detective First Class Quayshaun Brooks of the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office at 908-788-1129.
Keng has been charged with a crime but has not been convicted. Under the U.S. and New Jersey legal systems, criminal charges are allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sources
- Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office
- Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson
- Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office news release
FAQ
- Who was charged?
Cameron T. Keng, 39, of Fort Lee, the chief financial officer for Franklin Township in Hunterdon County. - What is he accused of?
One count of third-degree theft by deception related to an alleged payroll double-billing scheme. - How did the investigation begin?
Unity Bank identified suspicious payroll fee transactions during an internal investigation and notified the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office. - Has the investigation ended?
No. Prosecutors said the investigation remains ongoing. - When is the next court date?
A pre-indictment conference is scheduled for Sept. 14.
Key Points
- Franklin Township’s chief financial officer has been charged with third-degree theft by deception.
- Prosecutors say Unity Bank uncovered an alleged payroll double-billing scheme and alerted authorities.
- The defendant has been released pending a Sept. 14 court appearance as the investigation continues.
