Fake Utility Worker Tried To Enter Chatham Home: Police

CHATHAM, NJ — A Chatham resident was recently charged with multiple offenses, after police said he impersonated a PSE&G subcontractor to gain entry to a Chatham Township resident’s home late last month.

Gerard Norcia, 38, was charged with creating a false public alarm, obstructing the administration of law and disorderly conduct, after an unidentified female resident on Fairmount Avenue called police to her home on May 28 and they investigated her allegations.

The victim told police Norcia identified himself to her as a PSE&G worker, wore a hard hat, had a tool bag and after giving her what appeared to be a notice, asked her to exit her house, because of a purported gas leak there, police said.

A responding officer encountered Norcia and two other people on the woman’s front lawn. Norcia told the officer they were PSE&G subcontractors. The responding officer called both the Chatham Township Fire Department and PSE&G, in response to Norcia’s claims to him about the gas leak.

Following an investigation by Chatham Township Police, the department learned Norcia neither worked for PSE&G, nor was a subcontractor. He instead was looking to enter the woman’s home for an inspection, police say, as he’d hoped to buy it in a short sale.

Miller stated that Norcia, who initially also gave the responding officer a fake name when he confronted Norcia, is awaiting a court date and was released.

Questions or comments about this story? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.