Former Manalapan Mayor Indicted for Fraud, Obstruction

A former Manalapan mayor has been indicted on charges he falsified tax returns related to the purchase of a farm property.

Andrew Lucas is scheduled to appear in federal court in Trenton Friday.

The 36-year-old former mayor of Manalapan was arrested Friday and charged in an 11-count indictment with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, obstruction, making false statements to the IRS and other offenses. The most serious charge carries a maximum 30-year sentence.

The U.S. Attorney's Office alleges Lucas provided falsified tax returns when he applied for a loan to purchase a farm in 2009. He also allegedly used a relative's name and Social Security number on official documents without the relative's knowledge.

Lucas' attorney didn't immediately return an email seeking comment

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