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CRESSKILL, NEW JERSEY —— Police announced the arrest of Bautista J. Bonet, who was residing at the Grand Plaza Hotel in Saddle Brook, on charges of impersonation and theft by deception.
The Cresskill Police Department Detective Bureau conducted the investigation, arresting Bonet in Saddle Brook with the assistance of the Saddle Brook Police Department.
In January, the commander of the Cresskill American Legion Post 101 contacted the Cresskill Police Department, reporting a fraud. During the course of the investigation it was determined that Bonet contacted the American Legion, stating that he was Sgt. Bob Bonet who retired from the U.S. Army with 20 years of service requesting financial assistance. Bonet stated that he was having issues with a house that he purchased in Cresskill and was currently staying in a hotel, which he could not afford to stay another night in.
The post commander met with Bonet and gave him money to pay for the hotel room along with money for food. After meeting with Bonet, the legion post commander contacted the Bergen County Division of Veterans Services in reference to Bonet, who reported that he did come to their office seeking assistance. The Bergen County Division of Veterans Services then began looking into Bonet’s military status.
The Bergen County Division of Veterans Services contacted Detective Charles Franke with their findings on Bonet, determining that he was court martialed and dishonorably charged at the rank of private first class from the United States Army in 1977. The Bergen County Division of Veteran Services then contacted veteran organizations throughout Bergen and Passaic counties in respect to Bonet, with many reporting already being contacted by Bonet for assistance.
Bonet was charged with one count of impersonation, theft of identity, and one count of theft by deception. He reported to the Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court on Thursday, Feb. 14.