A man has been arrested for allegedly stealing more than $700,000 from his plumbing company.
Robert Keith, 46, of West Orange SOUTH PLAINFIELD -- A bookkeeper for a borough company has been arrested and charged with stealing more than $700,000 from the firm.
Robert Keith, 46, of West Orange, was charged with credit card theft, money laundering, forgery, theft by unlawful taking and unlawful use of a credit card, according to a statement from the county prosecutor's office.
While working as a bookkeeper for RupCoe Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, in South Plainfield, Keith allegedly stole $715,000 from the company "through forged checks and credit card purchases within a two-year period," according to a statement from the South Plainfield Police Department.
Authorities were alerted after officials from the company learned of the missing funds and contacted police.
Keith also served as a minister at a house of worship, though the name and location of the religious institution were not released by authorities. Though Keith was not a licensed certified public accountant, he allegedly had "sought to add legitimacy to his bookkeeping services by describing himself as a religious leader," according to the prosecutor's office.
He was arrested on Saturday, according to officials, who noted that he was also wanted for a probation violation from Essex County.
Keith is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Facility pending a hearing.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information can contact the South Plainfield Police Department at 908-755-0700 or the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office at 732-745-4328.
Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.