Two Union County men were indicted by a Union County Grand Jury earlier today on one count of 3rd Degree Theft, after it was revealed they stole more than $60,000 from the Linden Knights of Columbus and Columbian Club, announced Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow.
Jose Rosado DOB: 2/8/1970 and Joseph Verrinder DOB: 12/12/1974 were both members of the organization and according to the investigation stole money from the club’s credit cards and bank accounts over the course of three years and used the funds for personal use. The Columbian Club is a social club that operates within the Knights of Columbus hall.
The theft was discovered in January 2011 following an internal audit, said Romankow. The club’s leadership immediately contacted the Linden Police Department and an investigation was launched. The case was handed over to the Prosecutor’s Special Prosecution Unit and both men were arrested and charged on November 10, 2011.
Both were long time members of the club. Verrinder was the Grand Knight of the chapter and Rosado served as operational manager and treasurer, said Romankow. Both are no longer affiliated with the organization.
3rd Degree crimes carry a maximum of 5 years in prison. Their next court date has not yet been scheduled.
These criminal charges are mere accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.