Fraternity advisor at Montclair State accused of theft

A former fraternity advisor at Montclair State University (MSU) is accused of stealing nearly $44,000 from the fraternity over a two-year period.

Joseph Specchio was arrested on July 30 on charges of third-degree theft, writing bad checks and the fraudulent use of credit cards, according to a statement from the university police department.

Specchio, an MSU alumnus, had been the advisor for the Iota Iota chapter of the Sigma Pi fraternity.

From February 2016 to December 2018, Specchio allegedly stole a total of $43,819 from the organization, which he transferred into his personal bank account, including $7,758.62 through the use of bad checks, authorities said.

Specchio was processed at the university police headquarters and released pending a follow-up court date in Passaic County Superior Court.

Passaic County Assistant Prosecutor Peter Roby said the matter has been referred to a grand jury, but could not provide additional information.

MSU spokesperson Erika Bleiberg said the university could not comment beyond the information contained in the police’s statement.

— Erin Roll