Newark, NJ – A Cedar Grove man has been charged with stealing more than $244,000 from a nonprofit organization that provides support and resources for adults with disabilities, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced.
Stephen Ferguson, 65, is charged with one count of second-degree theft by unlawful taking and one count of second-degree misapplication of entrusted funds.
According to prosecutors, Ferguson served as treasurer of the organization from June 2023 through March 2025. The nonprofit was established by family members of residents living at the Association for Hunterdon Development Center in Clinton to provide additional support for adults with disabilities residing at the state-run facility.
Audit uncovered alleged theft
An internal audit determined Ferguson allegedly made multiple unauthorized withdrawals from the organization’s accounts for his personal use, totaling more than $244,000.
Authorities allege the money was entrusted to the nonprofit to benefit adults with disabilities and was instead diverted over an extended period while Ferguson managed the organization’s finances.
Prosecutor calls allegations a “serious breach of trust”
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II said the alleged theft had a direct impact on some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.
“This case alleges a serious breach of trust involving funds intended to support vulnerable members of our community,” Stephens said.
He added, “Thefts from organizations such as this are akin to direct assaults against the disabled population and, as such, are extremely important to this office.”
Ferguson is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Monday, July 27.
