Alleged West Creek boat repair con artist charged with theft

An arrest warrant goes out for a West Creek man who allegedly took $1,020 to fix a boat in Long Beach Township - kept the cash, left the work undone, and ransacked the craft for parts worth about $1,460.

Long Beach Township police obtained the warrant for John Lepeshko, 28, after a lengthy probe that began with a report by the victims in January of this year.

They told investigators that they hired Lepeshko through Craigslist for work to be done on the vessel, situated outside their house.

Investigators charge Lepeshko with theft by failure to make required disposition of property, and theft of moveable property.

Police are now looking for background form anyone who has had dealings with Lepeshko in Long Beach or Barnegat Light. Detective Patrick Mazzella can be reached at 609-361-2073.

Charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.