OCEAN COUNTY – The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs (OCDCA) has secured a $17,500 settlement and consent agreement with local gas station owner Rajinder Chandi following an investigation into widespread violations and deceptive practices across three area stations, officials announced.

"The enforcement action follows a joint investigation by the Ocean County Division of Weights & Measures and the Office of Consumer Protection. Investigators uncovered numerous violations of state Weights & Measures laws alongside a pattern of deceptive business practices," said Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, liaison to the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs.

According to Ocean County Director of Consumer Affairs Ronald Heinzman, the probe was initiated after the State Office of Weights & Measures flagged complaints for two stations on Route 37 in Toms River. A third complaint was brought forward by the Lakehurst Borough Police Department regarding a nearby location.

The three businesses involved in the enforcement action are: Delta, located at 245 Route 37, Toms River, NJ; Delta/G&R, LLC, located at 200 Route 37, Lakehurst, NJ; Sunoco, located at 644 Route 37 West, Toms River, NJ.

"The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs is strongly committed to protecting all residents and visitors in Ocean County, including while making purchases at the gas pump," Arace said.

To resolve the pending municipal court complaints in Toms River and Lakehurst, Chandi and his legal counsel mediated a settlement with the OCDCA.

Under the terms of the binding consent agreement, Chandi is required to:
• Pay a $17,500 penalty to Ocean County.
• Ensure all digital gas pump screens strictly match the actual price-per-gallon rates charged to consumers.
• Hire only certified vendors licensed by the New Jersey State Office of Weights & Measures of all future pump repairs.
• Submit all repair documentation to the OCDCA Weights & Measures Office within 10 days of completion.
• Attend a future verification meeting to prove that all outstanding violations have been fully corrected.
• Comply with all Consumer Affairs and Weights & Measures laws.

The County's case was handled by Deputy Superintendent of Weights & Measures Brian Decasse, Assistant Superintendent of Weights & Measures Cody Wilber, and OCP Investigator Thomas Camporealle. Legal oversight was provided by Laura Comer, Esq., Prosecutor for the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs.

"The department remains dedicated to ensuring local businesses comply fully with New Jersey consumer protection and weights and measures statutes," Heinzman said.