By John Soltes / Editor in Chief

CARLSTADT (Nov. 16, 2009, 9:30 a.m.) — A 56-year-old Carlstadt man was indicted Friday, Nov. 13, for allegedly stealing $128,000 from a cosmetology school in Fort Lee, where he was an employee, according to state Attorney General Anne Milgram.

William Jr. Reilley was indicted by a state grand jury on a charge of second-degree theft by deception.

The indictment alleges that between January 2004 and December 2006, Reilley stole $128,209 from his employer, Onyx Beauty Academy. The man had originally been hired to teach and assist with financial management and submit applications for government loans and grants.

Reilley was also a proctor for cosmetology exams with the state Division of Consumer Affairs.

Reilley was allegedly able to receive business checks and money from Onyx’s owner for grant and loan applications and to pay off creditors. In reality, Milgram states, Reilley was using the checks and money to pay personal expenses, including rent, car fees and a deposit on a catering hall for a family event.

The second-degree charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison and a $150,000 fine.