NJ Transit supervisor admits stealing over 1000 phones in $1.3M scheme
Trenton, NJ — A former NJ Transit supervisor admitted to orchestrating a years-long scheme that siphoned more than 1,000 cellphones from a public agency, reselling them for personal profit while failing to report the income.
Peejay Manila, 37, formerly of Hackensack and now of Little Ferry, pleaded guilty on March 24, 2026, to second-degree theft by unlawful taking and third-degree failure to pay taxes, according to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
Prosecutors said Manila used his position within NJ Transit to order devices intended for employees, then diverted and sold them to buyback companies in exchange for cash. The operation spanned more than four years, beginning around November 2020.
Authorities estimate the total loss to NJ Transit at approximately $1.3 million, with more than $900,000 in illegal proceeds generated through the resale of the devices.
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Manila admitted to using the funds to support personal expenses, including international travel to destinations such as Japan and Dubai.
As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend a five-year prison sentence. Manila is also required to pay approximately $1.383 million in restitution and file amended tax returns for multiple years, with an estimated $56,000 owed in unpaid taxes.
Investigators executed search warrants in May 2025, recovering multiple phones from Manila’s residence, including unopened devices and packages prepared for shipment to resale companies.
Manila has forfeited his public employment and is permanently barred from holding any government position in New Jersey.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 5, 2026.
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Key Points
- Former NJ Transit supervisor stole over 1,000 phones in scheme
- Estimated $1.3 million loss to public agency
- Defendant faces five-year prison recommendation and restitution
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