Former Toms River Elks Lodge treasurer sentenced to five years in prison

The former treasurer of the Toms River Elks Lodge #1875 who plead guilty to theft has been sentenced to five years in state prison for misappropriating more than $119,000.00 from the Elks over the course of three years, announced Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer.

Christine Wilbert, 46, of Lakehurst pled guilty to Theft, 2nd Degree on January 25, and was sentenced 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 had been accused of misappropriation from the Toms River Elks between April of 2013 and June of 2016.

She was responsible for issuing checks from the Toms River Elks account and managing the cash deposits received from various fundraising events.

An investigation by Toms River Police Detective John Bajcic revealed that between April 2013 and June 2016, Wilbert issued about 50 checks to herself, frequently recording them in the organization’s accounting software as legitimate charitable payments.

Wilbert also skimmed money 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."

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