FREEHOLD –A Keyport man has been charged with stealing more than $60,000 from the local appliance repair company whose finances he managed, authorities said.

Eduardo “Edward” Murillo, 46, is charged with theft by unlawful taking or disposition and impersonation/identity theft.

Murillo spent the money on personal expenses and sports betting, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said in statement.

After meeting the principal of the repair business during church services, Murillo passed himself off as being highly experienced in accounting, Santiago said.

He oversaw the personal and financial business matters of the victim and the Matawan-based company, Santiago said.

More:Long Beach cop retired 2 days before he was charged with stealing $67K from PBA

Analysis of financial records showed that Murillo stole a little more than $61,000 between 2017 and 2019, Santiago said.

Murillo surrendered Thursday and was released released pending a court hearing scheduled for May 2. Murillo faces up to five years in prison on each of the two charges if he's convicted.

Santiago is urging anyone with additional information about Murillo’s activities to call Detective Michael W. Donovan III of the prosecutor's office at 800-533-7443.

Murillo's attorney, Taylor DiBenedetto, who has an office in New Brunswick, declined comment.

Ken Serrano covers crime, breaking news and investigations. Reach him at 732-643-4029 or at kserrano@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Keyport NJ man charged in theft from appliance repair business