Story by Ethan
On December 4th, 2024, charges against Kenneth Franke were announced by Ocean County Prosecutor, Bradley D. Billhimer. The charges are for Theft by Unlawful Taking in relation to several incidents spanning from January 2022, to December 2024, in both Barnegat and Lacey Townships.
According to New Jersey Police officials, Kenneth Franke was seen at different Wawa locations, getting several lottery tickets without paying properly. After being caught on surveillance cameras, Kenneth Franke was taken into custody by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and the Barnegat Township Police Department. It was revealed that over $50,000 worth of New Jersey lottery tickets were stolen. He was taken to the Barnegat Township Police Headquarters, to be processed. His appearance is pending in Ocean County Superior Court.
The Ocean County State Police state that the charges against Kenneth Franke are only accusations, and he is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
