The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs announced Tuesday that it secured a $17,500 settlement with a local gas station owner following an investigation into violations and deceptive business practices at three Ocean County gas stations.

County officials said the investigation, conducted jointly by the Ocean County Division of Weights & Measures and the Office of Consumer Protection, began after complaints were flagged involving two Route 37 gas stations in Toms River. A separate complaint involving a Lakehurst location was brought forward by the Lakehurst Police Department.

The stations involved are Delta at 245 Route 37 in Toms River, Delta/G&R LLC at 200 Route 37 in Lakehurst, and Sunoco at 644 Route 37 West in Toms River.

Under a binding consent agreement, owner Rajinder Chandi will pay a $17,500 penalty and must ensure that digital gas pump displays accurately match the price-per-gallon charged to customers.

Chandi must also use only vendors certified by the New Jersey State Office of Weights & Measures for future pump repairs, submit repair documentation to county officials within 10 days, attend a verification meeting to demonstrate that outstanding violations have been corrected, and comply with all applicable consumer protection and weights and measures laws.

Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace said the county remains committed to protecting residents and visitors from deceptive practices at the gas pump.