Ex-Wayne Hills QB Devera Indicted In Rutgers Credit Card Scheme

WAYNE, NJ — Former Wayne Hills quarterback Brendan Devera has been indicted on several charges related to a credit card fraud ring he allegedly ran while on the Rutgers University football team.

A Middlesex County grand jury did not indict Devera of the most serious charge of second-degree promoting organized street crime as the scheme's alleged organizer,the indictment states.

Devera was indicted on the following charges: Conspiracy, receiving stolen property, theft, credit card theft, fraudulent use of a credit card, hindering apprehension, and financial facilitation of criminal activity.

"We're excited that the grand jury decided not to indict Mr. Devera on the most serious charge," Ron Ricci, Devera's attorney told NJ.com.

The alleged thefts occurred this past spring, prosecutors say. The Middlesex County prosecutor's office says the players used the dark web to obtain credit card numbers and then transferred money to their Rutgers Express debit-card accounts. The transfers were done in small amounts, ranging from $200 to $800 at a time, prosecutors said, according to reports.

In total, $11,450 was stolen from various victims.

Devara is scheduled to appear at Middlesex County Superior Court on Jan. 3 before Judge Pedro Jimenez.

Devara, a former township resident and Wayne Hills quarterback, was dismissed from the Scarlet Knights football team in July for allegedly violating team rules. Devara has since enrolled at ASA College, a junior college. (See Related: Rutgers Dismisses Ex-Wayne Hills Star QB From Football Team)

Devara, a Totowa resident, was charged with promoting organized street crime in the second degree, money laundering in the third degree, fraudulent use of credit cards in the third degree, and conspiracy to commit theft by deception in the third degree. Seven other players, were also charged in the scheme. (See related: Wayne Rutgers Football Player Charged In Fraud Scheme: Prosecutor)

Devara was a two-way, all-state player for Wayne Hills, playing at quarterback and linebacker as a senior. He helped the Patriots win an NJSIAA North Jersey 1 Group 4 title.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: Brendan DeVara (Rutgers University)