Jackson Township, NJ — Jackson Township has filed a civil lawsuit against a former police telecommunications officer, alleging she improperly retained more than $7,200 in payroll payments that continued after her resignation because of an administrative error.
That administrative error led to the former employee being paid for work the town claims, she never did. Now it wants its money back and has authorized township attorney Greg McGuckin whose firm earns over $300,000 per year from Jackson Township.
The complaint, filed in Ocean County Superior Court, names former employee Danielle Burdge as the defendant and seeks repayment of $7,228.09, plus interest and court costs.
Township says payroll error continued after resignation
According to the lawsuit, Burdge resigned from her position with the Jackson Township Police Department effective April 22, 2025. The township alleges that during a transition between payroll systems, she was removed from one payroll system but was not deactivated in another, resulting in continued payments after her employment ended.
The complaint states the following payments were allegedly issued in error:
- May 9, 2025 — $1,282.52
- May 9, 2025 (clothing allowance) — $815.49
- May 23, 2025 — $1,282.52
- June 6, 2025 — $1,282.52
- June 20, 2025 — $1,282.52
- July 3, 2025 — $1,282.52
The township alleges the total mistaken payments amounted to $7,228.09.
Lawsuit alleges repeated demands for repayment
Jackson Township contends it notified Burdge of the overpayment on July 11, 2025, and made additional attempts to recover the funds through emails, telephone calls, and a formal demand letter sent by regular and certified mail on Aug. 26, 2025. The complaint alleges Burdge acknowledged she was not entitled to the payments but refused to repay them.
The lawsuit asserts claims for unjust enrichment and restitution for mistaken payment, arguing the township never intended the payments to be compensation or a gift and that retaining the funds would be inequitable.
Township seeks damages
The township is asking the court to award $7,228.09 in compensatory damages, along with prejudgment interest, post-judgment interest, court costs, and any additional relief deemed appropriate. The case was filed in the Ocean County Special Civil Part of Superior Court.
As with all civil litigation, the allegations in the complaint represent the township’s claims. The defendant has the opportunity to respond in court, and no judgment has been entered in the matter.
Source: Ocean County Superior Court civil complaint.
