Authorities say a northern New Jersey couple has been charged with collecting money by pretending to be part of a charity organization, but their attorney denies the charges.
Steven and Jan Toms were charged with theft after police say they pretended to be part of an organization that helps wounded military veterans and collected money outside of a supermarket in Wayne.
Surveillance footage showed the pair setting up a table outside of the grocery store, then tricking people into making donations.
Wayne police Capt. Laurence Martin says the couple presented false documents to make it appear they were part of the charity on Jan. 25. Police did not provide details about how much money they allegedly collected.
Authorities were alerted to the scheme when the charity the pair allegedly pretended to be members of -- the Adopt A Soldier Platoon -- learned what they were doing. The group's president said the pair sullied Adopt A Soldier Platoon's good name.
Attorney Russell Bickert says his clients are not guilty and the charges are false.
