Ex-Assemblyman may go on trial in March on theft, misconduct charges

Former Assembly allegedly stole more than $1.8 million from people who loaned him money and wrote more than $3.4 million in bad checks.

Former Assemblyman Robert Schroeder (File photo) 

SOMERSET -- Former state Assemblyman Robert Schroeder, who is accused of stealing nearly $1.9 million from people who loaned him money and writing more than $3.4 million in bad checks, is tentatively set to go to trial in March 2016.

Schroeder, who was denied a pre-trial motion to have his charges dismissed in February 2014 by Superior Court Judge Julie M. Marino, was back in court on Friday morning before Marino during a brief status conference.

The former Assemblyman, who is due back in court for another status conference on Dec. 11, was also fingerprinted.

Schroeder, 55, of Washington Township in Bergen County, served two terms representing the 39th Legislative District, which now includes parts of Bergen and Passaic counties.

Schroeder, a Republican, is facing a three-count indictment charging him with issuing bad checks, theft by deception and misconduct by a corporate official.

Schroeder allegedly wrote at least 47 bad checks totaling at least $3.4 million to 12 people who loaned him money for business ventures and to two companies that provided him with goods or services. He allegedly knew he didn't have the funds to cover those checks.

Schroeder also is accused of stealing nearly $1.9 million from at least five individuals who loaned him money for a business venture meant to provide housing for an oil-drilling project in North Dakota. He allegedly used those funds for personal expenses and other debts not associated with the project.

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com.Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.