*Editorial: This woman stole money and is going to jail for 5 years and has to pay back the funds. Meanwhile in Lakewood- Amnesty is the name of the game, and it appears nobody is going to jail. Can someone explain this double-standard in Ocean County please?

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the former treasurer of Toms River Elks Lodge #1875, Christine Wilbert, 46, of Lakehurst, N.J., who pled guilty to Theft, 2nd Degree on January 25, 2019, was sentenced today by the Honorable Rochelle Gizinski, J.S.C., in Ocean County Superior Court to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison and ordered to pay restitution of $119,010.59. Wilbert misappropriated in excess of $119,000.00 from the Toms River Elks between April of 2013 and June of 2016.

Wilbert was responsible for issuing checks from the Toms River Elks account and managing the cash deposits received from various fundraising events.   Investigation by Toms River Police Detective John Bajcic revealed that between April 2013 and June 2016, Wilbert issued approximately 50 checks to herself, frequently recording them in the organization’s accounting software as legitimate charitable payments. Additionally, Wilbert skimmed monies from the cash that she was responsible for depositing in the Elk’s bank accounts.

“I hope Judge Gizinski’s sentence of State Prison sends a clear message that thefts of this kind will not be tolerated,” Prosecutor Billhimer said.  “Stealing money from the Elks Lodge is betrayal of trust afforded to Ms. Wilbert by all Elks Lodge members.  I am thankful for the efforts of Detective Bajcic and Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Christopher Heisler for bringing Ms. Wilbert to justice” stated Prosecutor Billhimer.