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Michael Ruvo, a Toms River resident, pleaded guilty to theft by deception and tampering with public records and is expected to be sentenced to 364 days in jail, Prosecutor Bradley Billhmer said.
In June 2022, Ruvo, while working for Beachwood, issued a code enforcement violation to a property owner on Tiller Avenue, Billhimer said. The property owner contacted Ruvo advising she had received an estimate to bring the property up to code but was seeking an extension of time to remedy the violation, Billhimer said.
Ruvo then advised the property owner that he knew of a company that would perform the job for less money than the estimate provided to her, and in a timelier manner, Billhimer said. An investigation revealed Ruvo owned the company, which he failed to disclose, Billhimer said. Ruvo’s company then failed to complete the job in full, Billhimer said. Despite not completing the work, Ruvo deemed the property to be in compliance in his capacity as code enforcement officer, Billhimer said.
In March 2022, Ruvo, in his capacity as code enforcement officer signed a certification stating that a property on Compass Avenue in Beachwood was abandoned, Billhimer said. Ruvo was aware, however, that there was an occupant in the residence, Billhimer said. Ruvo was further aware that the certification would be filed as part of a tax sale foreclosure, and that the foreclosure would proceed in an expedited matter due to his certification, Billhimer said.
Ruvo was originally charged in September 2023, Billhimer said.
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