A man tasked with keeping ATMs running smoothly has been charged with helping himself to the money inside.
Basilio Lazu, 42, of Buena Borough, is accused of stealing more than $46,000 from bank machines in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Gloucester counties within about six months.
The service technician's employer alerted police about possible criminal activity following an internal investigation, State Police said.
A year-long investigation by the State Police Gangs and Organized Crime South and Interstate Theft South units found Lazu committed 54 thefts between December 2016 and May 2017, for a total of $46,480.
After a year-long investigation, detectives discovered that Lazu was responsible for 54 separate thefts between December of 2016 and May of 2017 totaling $46,480, according to State Police.
Lazu was arrested at his home last week without incident, State Police announced Wednesday.
He is charged with theft of movable property and was released on a summons.
The case will be prosecuted by the Division of Criminal Justice.
