Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office

                                 25 Kirkpatrick Street, 3rd Floor, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08901 (732) 745-3300

 

                                *News Release*          Date: September 30, 2009

 
 

 


Shuttle bus driver charged with theft

 

 

          Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce J. Kaplan today announced that a county shuttle bus driver has been charged with stealing cash from a donation box used by passengers who make voluntary contributions in appreciation of free rides to various destinations around the county.

 

          Mark B. Wolfthal (DOB 7/13/59) of the Parlin section of Sayreville was charged Sept. 24, 2009, with a count of third degree theft.

 

          An investigation by Sgt. Daniel DelBagno and Investigator Gary Charydczak, both of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, revealed that Wolfthal took at least $80 from the donation box, which was affixed to the dashboard of the minibus he drove for Middlesex County Area Transit (MCAT).

 

          MCAT is a popular Middlesex County service that offers free shuttle bus rides to senior citizens, disabled residents and economically disadvantaged individuals who need transportation to go shopping, seek employment, or receive medical services.

 

          The investigation began after it was learned that money was being taken from the donation box. Wolfthal was charged after the investigation showed he had taken the money on Sept. 15, 2009, and on another unspecified date about a week before the second theft.

 

          Wolfthal was advised of the charge in a summons that was served upon him at his home on Sept. 24, 2009. He is scheduled to appear before Superior Court Judge Frederick P. DeVesa at the Middlesex County Courthouse on Friday, Oct. 2, 2009.

 

Wolfthal began working for the county on September 24, 2001, and was earning $30,933 annually. He has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the charge.

 

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Sgt. DelBagno at (732) 745-4504, or Investigator Charydczak at (732) 745-4491.

 

As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charge against Wolfthal is merely an accusation and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.