Trucking Firm Staffer Stole $6M: Prosecutors

Prosecutors say a trucking company staffer stole more than $6 million from the northern New Jersey firm, money he used to fund a lavish lifestyle.

Albert Thomson is charged with theft by deception for the scam he allegedly ran from January 2004 through November 2013. His bail was set at $250,000 and it was not known Saturday if he had retained a lawyer.

The 48-year-old Berkeley Heights man worked for New England Motor Freight, which is based in Elizabeth. His duties involved obtaining registrations for hundreds of trucks the company owned in various states.

Prosecutors say Thomson submitted registration requests for trucks that were already registered, then kept the cashiers' checks that his employer issued to cover the costs. They say he allegedly used the misappropriated funds to pay personal expenses, buy an expensive car, rent a residence at the Jersey Shore and provide himself with a personal trainer.

Thomson faces up to 10 years in state prison if he's convicted.