Ex-South Brunswick police officer sentenced to 5 years for stealing more than $75,000 from PBA
Former PBA treasurer permanently forfeits public office after admitting to theft spanning more than six years.
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A former South Brunswick police officer has been sentenced to five years in state prison for stealing more than $75,000 from his Policemen’s Benevolent Association chapter over more than six years, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office said.
Abraham “Jason” Gassman, 53, was sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty earlier this year to theft. As part of his plea, Gassman permanently forfeited his public office and firearms and was ordered not to return to any Target stores.
The investigation began after authorities determined Gassman had shoplifted about $100 worth of bedding from a Target store in Ocean Township while driving his police vehicle.
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Investigators said Gassman, who had served as treasurer of his local PBA chapter since 2009, exercised exclusive control over its finances and stole more than $75,000 by using the union’s credit card for personal purchases and taking cash proceeds from charity fundraisers and other events.
Authorities said the purchases included home-improvement items, patio furniture, televisions, a home gym kit, luggage, food and other personal expenses. Investigators also said he used the PBA credit card during a business trip before seeking reimbursement from the police department and submitted false documents to the PBA’s accountant to conceal the thefts.
“Crimes of this nature aren’t just betrayals of a solemn oath of service; they undermine the public perception of the overwhelming majority of rank-and-file members of law enforcement who routinely do everything in their power to uphold the law with honor and duty,” Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said in a statement.
