By: Richard L. Smith
According to information released by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, a former Linden Police Lieutenant has been charged following an investigation into an alleged multi-year fraud scheme involving more than $126,000.
Matthew A. DaMatta, 50, of Linden, is charged with second-degree theft by deception, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel announced.
Authorities said an investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office Special Prosecutions Unit found that between July 2023 and January 2026, DaMatta allegedly used his business, MD Marion Construction LLC, to obtain money from multiple victims.
Investigators allege the money was collected for purported real estate investment opportunities, personal emergencies and services that were never provided.
According to prosecutors, banking records showed that funds obtained from the victims were allegedly transferred into DaMatta’s personal online sports-betting accounts.
DaMatta is scheduled to make his first appearance in Union County Superior Court on October 14, 2026.