Suspect Faked Drowning to Duck Trial, Police Say

A man who was thought to have drowned in Hurricane Bonnie’s rough surf may have faked his death to escape criminal charges, police say.

Antonio Mandarino Jr.’s fiancee, Kimberly Kuda, told police that the 23-year-old painting contractor was knocked down by a big wave in knee-deep water Monday and never resurfaced.

But more than 100 divers, lifeguards, state police, Coast Guard members and volunteer firefighters searched for his body for two days to no avail.

The rescue teams suspended their efforts Tuesday as the storm approached the East Coast and weather conditions worsened.

A tipster told police that Mandarino never even went into the water. And Kuda, who lived with Mandarino, has not been seen since leaving police headquarters, not even by her family.

Mandarino had a Sept. 14 court date.

Police now suspect that Mandarino, who is wanted in several towns on charges of bouncing checks, aggravated assault and eluding police, may have faked the whole thing and is still alive.

“If we find that’s the case, we’re going to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law,” said Det. Sgt. Harry DiCorcia.

Mandarino’s father said: “My son, I think he’s a faker. I think he’s alive.”

Meanwhile, local authorities officially are still listing Mandarino as dead by drowning until they know otherwise, DiCorcia said.