Hunterdon County man charged in $400,000 theft by deception case

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FLEMINGTON, N.J. — A 38-year-old Asbury resident has been charged with theft by deception and tax-related offenses after allegedly defrauding a 91-year-old Clarksburg man of $400,000 under a false loan agreement.

Christopher Sterlacci was arrested following an investigation by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutors allege that in May 2021, Sterlacci entered into a loan agreement with the elderly victim, offering vehicles and properties as collateral. Authorities say Sterlacci defaulted on the loan, and it was later discovered that he did not own the assets pledged as collateral.

The victim reported the suspected fraud in March 2023, leading to charges filed on October 23, 2024. Sterlacci now faces one count of second-degree theft by deception, one count of third-degree failure to file a New Jersey tax return, and one count of third-degree failure to pay state taxes, fees, penalties, or interest.

If convicted, Sterlacci could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $150,000 for the theft by deception charge. The tax-related offenses carry potential penalties of three to five years in prison and fines of up to $15,000 each.

Prosecutors emphasize that criminal charges are accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.