Crime & Safety

Union County Man Accused Of Stealing $126K To Fund Sports-Betting

Police say Matthew A. DaMatta fraudulently took money from victims through fake house flips and fabricated personal emergencies.

LINDEN, NJ — A Linden man was arrested after police say he stole more than $126,000 to fuel his sports-betting accounts.

Matthew A. DaMatta, 50, of Linden, is charged with one count of second-degree theft by deception.

Between July 2023 and January 2026, "DaMatta used his business, MD Marion Construction LLC, to fraudulently obtain more than $126,000 from victims for fictitious real estate flips, fabricated personal emergencies, and services not rendered," said Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel.

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DaMatta diverted victims' money into personal online sports-betting accounts, said Daniel.

DaMatta is scheduled to make his first appearance in Union County Superior Court on Oct. 14.

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This investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with further information about this case or similar incidents involving Matthew DaMatta or MD Marion Construction LLC is urged to contact Union County Prosecutor’s Office Sergeant Craig Famoso at 908-527-4611.

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