BEACHWOOD – A former code enforcer for Beachwood who deceived and defrauded towns and residents for years has pled guilty to criminal charges, officials said.
Michael Ruvo, 58, of Toms River, pled guilty to Theft by Deception and Tampering with Public Records in connection with his former position as the Code Enforcement/Zoning Officer for the Borough of Beachwood. At the time of his sentencing on April 11, 2025, the State will be seeking a term of 364 days in the Ocean County Jail as a condition of probation.
Ruvo will also be required to forfeit any and all future public employment and make restitution in the amount of $2,800.
From September 2018 through March 2023, Ruvo was employed by the Borough of Beachwood in the position of Code Enforcement-Zoning Officer. He was responsible for conducting inspections to ensure compliance with various municipal ordinances, initiating legal proceedings against violators of municipal ordinances, and signing off on certificates of occupancy which permitted residences to be occupied.
According to officials, Ruvo engaged in a number of unauthorized transactions where he utilized his position to gain unlawful personal benefits.
In June 2022, he issued a code enforcement violation to a Tiller Avenue resident. Later, the resident called him, letting him know she had an estimate to bring the property up to code but seeking an extension.
Ruvo allegedly told the resident he knew a company that could provide the work for less than the estimate. He didn’t tell her that it was his company, Express Cleanout. They were hired and didn’t do the full job. But he deemed the property to be in compliance anyway.
Additionally, in March 2022, Ruvo signed a certification stating that a property on Compass Avenue in Beachwood was abandoned. Ruvo was aware, however, that there was an occupant in the home. Ruvo was also aware that the certification would be filed as part of a tax sale foreclosure, and that the foreclosure would proceed in an expedited matter due to his certification.
On September 20, 2023, Ruvo surrendered himself to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office in the presence of his attorney. He was released on a summons pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.
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