Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns, III, announced the investigation into the search for two recently indicted fugitives. Michelle Gaughan, age 41, and Philip Gaughan, age 36, were both indicted on November 17th by a Hunterdon County Grand Jury on charges of third-degree theft by failure to make required disposition of property received, and third-degree conspiracy.
In March 2016, DB Charity Fundraising, operated by Michelle and Phillip Gaughan, were hired by Diamond Nation, of Raritan Township, to raise money for various charities around the area. The events rose over $18,000 that was earmarked for these charities. Mr. and Mrs. Gaughan gave a check to Diamond Nation for $18,000 but it was later returned by the bank for lack of funds. The Gaughans have since disappeared. Diamond Nation used their own funds to make the $18,000 payout to the charities.
According to Prosecutor Kearns, “These are appalling crimes that take advantage of the generosity of the citizens and businesses in our community. Crime Stoppers of Hunterdon County is offering a cash reward of $500 for information that leads to the apprehension of Michelle Gaughan and Phillip Gaughan.”
Information can be provided to Crime Stoppers by following the directions below or by contacting the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 788-1129.
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-321-0010 or by going to www.crimestoppershunterdon.com, or text messaging “HCTIPS” plus your tip message to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters can also download the free mobile app “Tipsubmit” and select Hunterdon County to submit anonymous tips via text messaging. All tips are anonymous and kept confidential.
For current events on the go, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/HunterdonCoPros
For press releases visit our website at: http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/prosecutor/press.html
