A NEW JERSEY STATE PARK POLICE OFFICER HAS BEEN CHARGED IN THEFT ALLEGATIONS
" Chris Smith Of Hope, New Jersey Has Been Charged With Stealing More Than $75,000. From Two Police Unions Over A Period Of Seven-Years."
June 30, 2021 By Art Fletcher Reporting For: Englebrook Independent News,
TRENTON, NJ.- On Tuesday, June 29, 2021, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced that a New Jersey State Park Police Officer who served as President of both his local Police Union and a Statewide Police Union was charged on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, with stealing more than $75,000., from the two unions over a seven year time period.
Chris Smith, 47, of Hope, New Jersey, was charged Tuesday, by way of Complaint-Summons, with Second Degree Theft by Unlawful Taking. Smith was charged in an investigation by The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, Corruption Bureau.
From 2021 to 2018, Smith who was President of The New Jersey Policemen's Benevolent Association (PBA) Local #222, which represents The New Jersey Park Police. From 2013 to 2021, Smith was President of The State Law Enforcement Union (SLEU). Smith, was alleged to have stolen more than $75,000. in total from PBA Local #222 and SLEU, by using Bank Accounts and Credit Cards of the two Unions to make Unauthorized Personal Expenditures that were unrelated to Union Business.
Smith allegedly used Credit Accounts of both unions to pay for out-of-state personal travel that was unrelated to union activity, including airfare and rental car expenses for trips to Florida.
In addition, Smith allegedly used accounts of both unions to pay for personal meals and alcohol at restaurants in New Jersey and New York City unrelated to any Union Business.
" The Rules Of The Court Require Us To Include A Statement, Which States: The Charges Are Merely Accusations And The Defendant And Or Defendants Are Presumed Innocent Unless And Until Proven Guilty Beyond Reasonable Doubt."
FILED UNDER JUNE 30, 2021: LAW, NJ STATE: