An area man has been charged with stealing more than $61,000 over the course of several years from a local appliance repair company for which he managed finances, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Friday.

Eduardo “Edward” Murillo, 46, of Keyport, has been charged with third-degree theft by unlawful taking or disposition and third-degree impersonation/identity theft.

If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.

An investigation by members of the MCPO Financial Crimes & Public Corruption Bureau revealed that Murillo first met the principal of the appliance repair company several years ago during services at a church in Matawan. Purporting to be highly experienced in accounting, Murillo began handling the personal and financial business of the victim and his company, also based in Matawan.

Analysis of financial records revealed that on various dates between 2017 and 2019, Murillo stole a little more than $61,000 from the company, using a variety of unauthorized transactions, and spending the proceeds on items such as personal expenses and sports betting.

Murillo surrendered to authorities without incident yesterday and was formally charged and released pending a Monmouth County Superior Court hearing tentatively scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 2.

Anyone with additional information about Murillo’s activities is asked to contact MCPO Detective Michael W. Donovan III at 800-533-7443.

— Edited press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office