BARNEGAT – A local man was charged with stealing more than $50,000 worth of lottery tickets.
Kenneth Franke, 57, of Barnegat, was charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking in connection with incidents that occurred between January 2022 and December 2024.
Police said he robbed from ticket vending machines at Wawas in Barnegat and Lacey. On December 4, detectives established surveillance on Franke as he entered one of the Barnegat Wawas. They observed him getting lottery tickets and took him into custody.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer commended the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, Barnegat Police, and New Jersey Lottery Commission, for their combined and collective assistance in connection with this investigation.
Charges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.
