Former Trenton Marine Manager Indicted for Scheme to Defraud Boat Owners

PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen today announced an indictment charging Denis Kelliher, 47, of Toms River, NJ, with wire fraud. According to the indictment, between 2013 and 2016, Kelliher was the manager of Trenton Marine’s Toms River, NJ marina and acted as a broker for the sale of boats. During that time, he sold approximately 13 boats without the knowledge of the owners and converted the proceeds from the sale to his personal use, including to pay off debts he owed to his business associates. It is alleged that Kelliher robbed the boat owners of their property valued at more than $2 million.

If convicted, Kelliher faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, $250,000 fine, and $100 special assessment. Additionally, Kelliher will be subject to restitution and/or forfeiture of money and substitute assets totaling $2,163,000.00.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Toms River (NJ) Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anita Eve.