Man Bilks Mother-in-Law Out of $26K, Cops Say

An unemployed Little Falls man was arrested Tuesday after allegedly stealing $26,000 from his Franklin Lakes mother-in-law, borough Police Det. Lt. John Bakelaar said Wednesday.

Mark Cerio, 49, was arrested Tuesday and charged with forgery and credit card theft, Bakelaar said.

According to police, Cerio forged checks from the 70-year-old woman’s account, and used her credit card to purchase more than $26,000 worth of merchandise between January and October of this year.

On Nov. 6, Bakelaar said the police department began investigating a report from a Creole Lane resident saying that he thought someone might be stealing from his mother.

After an investigation, Cerio – who cops say used checks and credit cards to make small purchases over the ten-month period – was arrested, Bakelaar said. He has been released on $25,000 bail, he said.

Bakelaar also said it is “not likely” that the woman will be able to recover the money.