Former Marine Admits Forging Judge’s Signature in NJ Fraud Case

Sewell, N.J. — A Gloucester County man with a military background has pleaded guilty to an elaborate multi-year scheme involving fake deployment orders, forged federal court documents bearing a judge's signature, and impersonating a Homeland Security officer, including showing up at a house in a marked police vehicle with a gun on his hip.

Earlier this week, 33-year-old Nicholas Cabral of Sewell entered his plea in Camden federal court. He faces sentencing on November 10th.

Fake Deployment Orders

According to federal authorities, Cabral served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps from November 2011 through May 2014 and was then discharged as a Private First Class due to a pre-existing disability.

He never served in the military again. That didn't stop him from claiming he did.

Before July 2019, Cabral began mailing fraudulent military orders to banks and financial institutions, representing himself as a captain in the Army, or a lieutenant and captain in the Marines, called to active duty for at least 180 days. The fake orders were designed to trigger protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a federal law that shields active-duty military members from certain financial obligations including credit card debt, mortgage payments, and fees.

Between July 2019 and November 2022, Cabral mailed at least nine fraudulent sets of orders to financial institutions. At least one bank fell for the scheme, returning fees, slashing his interest rate, suspending all annual fees, late fees, cash advance fees, and dropping his minimum monthly payment to zero for the duration of his fictitious deployment.

Forged Judge's Signature

In September 2024, Cabral's scheme escalated.

Officials said he mailed fraudulent court orders to financial institutions, claiming they had failed to appear before a New Jersey federal judge for a hearing on a motion he had filed. The fake orders, bearing the forged signature of U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty, purported to find that the banks had violated the SCRA and ordered them to scrub negative remarks from his credit report.

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Fake Federal Officer, Real Gun

On December 10th of last year, Cabral called the Washington Township Police Department's non-emergency line to report that he'd spotted an open front door at a home in Sewell.

When an officer arrived, so did Cabral, behind the wheel of a marked "Homeland Security Police" Dodge Charger, that had overhead lights flashing. He stepped out wearing a gold badge and a semi-automatic handgun on his hip. When the officer asked if he was with Homeland Security, Cabral said "Homeland, yeah."

He then drew his weapon and entered the home, shouting "police department" as he searched inside. He was never employed by the Federal Protective Service or any law enforcement agency. He later admitted to driving the vehicle on other occasions without permission.

Charges

Cabral pleaded guilty to bank fraud, counterfeiting and using an official court seal, and impersonating a federal officer to conduct an unlawful search. The bank fraud charge alone carries up to 30 years in prison.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 10th.

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com