TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -

New Jersey has sued two state residents, claiming they collected tens of thousands of dollars in donations for a bogus 9/11 charity.

In the lawsuit filed Monday in Superior Court, the Attorney General’s Office claims Mark Niemczyk, 66, of Tinton Falls and Thomas Scalgione, 40, of Manahawkin used the money they raised for their own personal gain. It also alleges that the pair, who both have criminal records, failed to register the charity as required by state law.

The two men have driven throughout the state in a pickup truck painted with the names of first responders who died in the terrorist attacks.

Scaglione denied the allegations. He told the Asbury Park Press that he and Niemczyk operate “a legitimate group” and will fight to clear their names.

Information from: Asbury Park Press

Source: myfoxny.com