South Jersey man accused of staging boat crash surrenders

ATLANTIC CITY (AP) — A South Jersey man who disappeared after authorities say he staged a boating accident has turned himself in to face theft charges.

Forty-five-year-old Andrew Biddle of Egg Harbor Township appeared before a judge in Atlantic County on Thursday.

Biddle was reported missing on July 20 after his pontoon boat hit rocks in Longport.

Authorities believe the accident was staged because the disappearance came after Biddle was indicted on three counts of theft by deception for allegedly taking boats in trade and re-selling them without paying off the loans.

His lawyer, Mark Roddy, tells the Press of Atlantic City  Biddle would not discuss where he's been. The lawyer believes Biddle returned for his wife and children.

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