Man accused of staging boat crash now faces more charges

MAYS LANDING AP) — A South Jersey man who disappeared after authorities say he staged a boating accident is now facing more charges.

Atlantic County prosecutors say the charges are included in a superseding indictment recently handed up by a county grand jury against 45-year-old Andrew Biddle, of Egg Harbor Township.

Prosecutors say the counts stem from a series of fraudulent transactions he committed through his boat sales business.

Biddle was reported missing July 20 after he and another man went into the water when their pontoon boat hit a buoy in Longport. His friend swam to shore and called police to say Biddle was missing.

The Coast Guard searched for Biddle, but law enforcement officials said two weeks later they believed the accident was staged.

A message left with Biddle's lawyer wasn't immediately returned Monday.

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