NJ Man Pretended to Have Cancer So You Would Give Him Money, Cops Say

HILLSDALE — An unemployed man in Bergen County played the sympathy card to raise funds. The problem, police said, was that he was lying about having cancer.

Joseph O'Connell, 29, of Washington Township (Bergen County), was charged Thursday with fourth-degree theft by deception. He was released from custody with a date to appear in court next month.

Police in Hillsdale say O'Connell claimed to be suffering from a cancerous brain tumor and used that to receive donations.

Police, however, received a tip that questioned O'Connell's claims.

Police say an investigation determined that he was "not ill and was merely soliciting donations and food for his own personal use."

Police ask anyone who donated to O'Connell to contact Detective Sgt. Adam Hampton at 201-497-1537.