Toms River Park-n-Ride Manager Charged with ATM Theft

The manager of the Park-n-Ride in downtown Toms River faces a second-degree theft charge, accused of pocketing at least $75,000 from the ATM in the facility.

Robert Pentz, 38, of Toms River, is free on $50,000 bail while awaiting a court appearance. If convicted at trial, he could be given a prison term of five to 10 years.

According to authorities, filling the ATM is one of Pentz's responsibilities in operating the bus depot.

Authorities say that the first indications of theft arose during an audit in April. Pentz was suspended without pay at the time.

They describe a deliberate, systematic shifting of money over a five-year span.

Detectives in Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato's office are continuing the probe along with members of the Toms River Parking Authority to determine a more exact figure of missing cash. .