Jason Gassman, a police officer in South Brunswick, New Jersey, has been accused of stealing $75,000 from his local Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) chapter, according to announcements made by county prosecutors on Wednesday. The allegations state that Gassman, 53, pilfered funds over a period exceeding six years while serving as treasurer since 2009.
These charges were disclosed in a statement from Chief Raymond Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department, who confirmed that Gassman has been suspended without pay as he faces theft charges. “The accusations and arrest of Mr. Gassman is extremely disappointing to me and all members of the agency,” the statement read. “The accusations against him do not reflect the character and practices of the hardworking men and women of the South Brunswick Police Department who serve honorably each and every day and live up to our agency’s CORE Values.”
Who is Jason Gassman?
According to his profile on the South Brunswick Township website, Gassman joined the South Brunswick Police Department in December 2005. Originally from Bradley Beach, New Jersey, he served in the department’s Traffic Safety Division with the rank of Patrolman First-Class. Over his nearly two decades of service, Gassman has garnered attention for his involvement in critical traffic enforcement actions and investigations.
One of his notable achievements occurred on July 16, 2018, when he received an Exceptional Service Award for rescuing a person trapped in a smoke-filled elevator.
Details of the Allegations
The investigation against Gassman began earlier this year, following an incident where he was caught shoplifting $100 worth of items from a nearby department store. This incident led police to scrutinize his financial records, uncovering several alleged irregularities.
Prosecutors revealed that Gassman allegedly stole cash proceeds from a PBA fundraiser and misused the PBA credit card for personal purchases, which included furniture, parking gas, and a leaf blower. He reportedly submitted fake documents to the PBA accountant, claiming reimbursement for these expenses. Furthermore, he changed the credit card password to prevent other members from accessing it.
Gassman voluntarily turned himself in at the South Brunswick Police Department on Wednesday. His case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, as reported by local news outlet TAPinto South Brunswick.
Anyone with information about Gassman’s activities is asked to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Dylan Lovgren at 800-533-7433.
