Lakewood PD

By Cecilia Levine From Daily Voice

A Lakewood couple is accused of stealing more than $75,000 in government food benefits over four years, authorities said.

Refael Busel, 43, and Rivka Busel, 39, were charged with theft by deception and issuing a false financial statement in connection with incidents that occurred between September 2019 and August 2023, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad revealed that the Busels “obtained in excess of $75,000 from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which they were not entitled to,” Billhimer said.

Investigators found the pair “inaccurately reported their household income by not including income from multiple sources in their applications and renewals,” the prosecutor said.

The Busels surrendered to Lakewood Township Police Headquarters on Oct. 21. They were processed and served with the charges via summons pending an appearance in Ocean County Superior Court, Billhimer said.

Billhimer commended the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Board of Social Services “for their collective efforts in connection with this investigation.”