Joba Impersonator Sentenced to Probation

Posted on February 12, 2009 by Travis Tormey

On January 15, 2009 I posted an article about a Toms River resident who was arrested and charged with theft by deception and two counts of disorderly conduct for impersonating Joba Chamberlain, the New York Yankees star pitcher. Now, Ryan Ward, the 30 year old impersonator, pled guilty on Wednesday to three counts of Disorderly Conduct in Belmar Municipal Court as a result of his plea agreement with the Belmar Municipal Prosecutor. Judge Dennis Lavender sentenced Ward to the 1.5 days he already spent in Monmouth County jail when he was arrested and also to two (2) years probation. As part of his probation, Mr. Ward must continue the alcohol treatment he is currently receiving. Further, for the two year probationary period Mr. Ward must stay out of the local bars and restaurants where he previously impersonated Joba Chamberlain. Mr. Ward confessed, as part of his plea, to signing more than 100 autographs, dating many women, and receiving free food and drink through his impersonation of Joba Chamberlain.

This seems to be a fair result based on the facts and circumstances surrounding the charges. Mr. Ward is not a threat to society and his behavior did not have a serious or significant negative impact on anyone. However, Mr. Ward must learn his lesson from this experience and cease this type of conduct for good. Otherwise, he could find himself back in prison and next time he would certainly be facing indictable criminal charges at the county level for impersonating Joba Chamberlain and receiving benefits as a result of that deception.

 For additional information regarding this story, please visit APP.com for "The Sentencing of Ryan Ward, Joba Chamberlain Impersonator".

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Identity Theft: Has Belmar gone too far?

Posted on January 15, 2009 by Travis Tormey

     A Toms River resident named Ryan Ward was recently charged with theft by deception and two counts of disorderly conduct for impersonating Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain. He faces more than a year in prison based on these charges. Allegedly Ward used his resemblance to Joba Chamberlain to impress women, sign autographs, and receive free food from atleast one local restaurant.

     Identity theft is a serious problem these days and should not be treated lightly. However, in this case these charges seem fairly ridiculous. Mr. Ward, although he should not have been impersonating Joba Chamberlain, did not harm or alarm anyone as a result of his actions. At the most he received some free food based on his false misrepresentations. Moreover, he returned to the bagel shop where he received the free food and paid for it. In fact, the bagel store owner himself said he didn't think that it was a big deal and that Mr. Ward should not go to prison for his actions.

     Here, it seems like a serious waste of time and taxpayer money to come down so hard on Mr. Ward. If the police had informed Mr. Ward of the serious potential consequences of his actions and "suggested" he cease impersonating Joba Chamberlain or face serious charges, justice would have been done. This would have avoided the necessity of court dates, adjournments, and the like which prevent the Belmar Municipal Court from tending to other, more pressing matters.

     The exciting and fairly interesting article concerning "The Impersonation of Joba Chamberlain" can be found at APP.com.

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