Police: Extortioner May Have More Victims

Police on Thursday released a photo of a Neptune man who authorities say may have cheated numerous people out of undisclosed amounts of money.

Michael J. Canneto Jr., 43, whose last known address was on 6th Ave., was arrested at the Sands Motel on Route 35 in Eatontown on Aug. 23, following a month-long investigation by detectives from the Wall Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Lt. Walter Pomphrey said.

Canneto was charged with Theft by Extortion. He was taken to Monmouth County jail, Freehold Township, on $75,000 bail, where he remained Friday morning, according to jail records.

Police did not release details of the crime Canneto was charged with, or release any further information, citing an ongoing investigation.

Police believe that Canneto blackmailed numerous people throughout the tri-state area, using check cashing stores and money transfer centers to pick up money in Monmouth County under various alias’ including: “Rich,” “Ralph,” “Ray,” “George,” “Sammie,” “Frank,” and  “Robert,” Pomphrey said.

If anyone believes they have been cheated by the person pictured, under his own name or under an alias, please contact the Wall Twp Police Department: (732) 449-4500,  the Detective Bureau: (732) 449-4800 or the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office: (732) 431-7160.