Amazing how many were harmed and let down by Ventnor’s Michael Einwechter. That’s why Ventnor Commissioners will hold a public forum on Dec. 21 at City Hall. They’ll discuss how what happened, what they’re going to do to stop stuff like this from happening again.
Ventor Commissioners, Lance Landgraf, Tim Kreibel and Mayor Beth Holtzman will field questions from those affected by this community scandal. Einwechter was arrested and charged with theft of donated money, checks and other donations that were supposed to assist Puerto Rico hurricane relief.
A town hall meeting. December 21 regarding Puerto Rico fundraiser. 4:30 to 6 p.m. Ventnor Commission Chambers. Residents can voice their concerns, speak with City Commissioners and Chief Douglas Biagi regarding alleged mishandling of donations that should have helped Puerto Rico hurricane victims.
Oddly, Einwechter took his ‘Amazing Ventnor’ into Atlantic City where he effectively took control of an upcoming Christmas Parade. Einwechter was a major part of the parade for approx. 3 weeks.
Nor’Easter Nick Pittman, is a weather forecaster at SNJ Today. He heads up the Boardwalk parade committee. Pittman embraced Einwechter’s offer to run things. When reports of Einwechter being arrested surfaced, Pittman was forced to pull the plug on his involvement.
Pittman said Einwechter asked to be in charge of sponsorship. For at least 3 weeks, the former Ventnor Coffee promoter encouraged people to visit an online payment portal he set up. Sign-ups and payments, anywhere from $25 to $100, could be transacted on that website Einwechter built and controlled.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor will decide for indictment or will place the case in front of a grand jury.
Einwechter is now separated from his wife, Christine Pagano, who owns the Ventnor Coffee shop on Dorset Ave. She openly shared her thoughts on a public social media site:
It is with a very heavy heart that I attempt to find the right words to express the betrayal and disappointment that is currently lingering in our community. Nothing has been more difficult than keeping my business afloat while my marriage irreparably sinks. Until now. In these last 24 hours, deciphering between sympathy and empathy has become impossible. Being a business owner in a small town leaves nothing enveloped in privacy. I’ve done my best to hold my head high throughout my separations; to keep my heart strong and keep my chin up as extramarital affairs are flaunted on social media; and most recently to muster up the courage to finally choose myself. Having known personally the effects of natural disaster, it pained me to not offer up my brand in support of his recent fundraiser.
Unfortunately, it was time our endeavors be as separate as we had become as individuals. The suffocating pressure of being deceived had finally taken its toll. Up until 24 hours ago, only I knew that feeling.
I am the sole owner of Ventnor Coffee. I always have been. Should there be any question about the subject, I will make very clear, here and now, that while there was a time that 2 spouses tried to support one another, that support was severed, without question, several months ago. These recent allegations are disheartening to say the least. While I had no part in these acts, I do sincerely offer my condolences to all of you that are affected. I thank those of you that have continued to show your support for my daughters and I as we raise one another up to be strong, independent women.