FREEHOLD — A South Brunswick police officer is facing a series of criminal charges after an investigation revealed he allegedly stole more than $75,000 from his local police union and shoplifted from a department store while in uniform, authorities announced Wednesday.
Abraham “Jason” Gassman, 53, was charged with second-degree official misconduct, second-degree theft by deception, third-degree hindering apprehension, third-degree official misconduct, third-degree theft by deception, fourth-degree falsifying records, and a disorderly persons offense for shoplifting, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
The investigation, led by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Responsibility Unit, began with a report that Gassman had shoplifted bedding valued at approximately $100 from a store in Ocean Township. Officials say he left the scene in his police vehicle.
That discovery prompted a deeper probe, which determined that Gassman had allegedly stolen more than $75,000 from the South Brunswick Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) Local No. 166, where he served as treasurer since 2009 and had exclusive control of the chapter’s finances.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Gassman used the union’s credit card to buy personal items, including patio furniture, storage containers, vacuums, propane, a leaf blower, televisions, a microwave, luggage, and food. He also allegedly diverted cash from charity fundraisers and other events.
In one instance, Gassman allegedly used the PBA credit card to cover costs for himself and another officer during a business trip, including lodging and gas, and then submitted a reimbursement request to the police department for the same expenses.
Officials said Gassman falsified records by submitting documents to the union accountant claiming he had repaid the personal charges and later changed the credit card password when questioned, locking leadership out of the account.
Gassman turned himself in earlier Wednesday and is being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution. Prosecutors intend to request that he be barred from contacting the PBA chapter’s executive board and be required to surrender any firearms and submit to monthly reporting while the case proceeds in Monmouth County Superior Court.
