Prosecutor: Cop Originally Charged with Shoplifting Investigated; $75K PBA Theft, Misconduct Added

An investigation into a South Brunswick police officer’s shoplifting in Monmouth County led to a broader probe revealing that he had stolen more than $75,000 from his Policeman’s Benevolent Association (PBA) chapter, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Wednesday.

The officer, Abraham “Jason” Gassman, 53, has been 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 shoplifting, a disorderly persons offense.

An investigation led by members of the MCPO Professional Responsibility Unit revealed that earlier this year, Gassman shoplifted bedding items valued at about $100 from an Ocean Township department store, leaving the scene in his police vehicle.

The investigation went on to find that Gassman had served as his local PBA Chapter’s Treasurer since 2009, exercising exclusive control over its finances, and in that capacity stole more than $75,000 from the PBA in multiple ways over approximately the last six years. He allegedly used the PBA credit card to make personal purchases and stole cash proceeds from PBA charity fundraisers and other events.

These personal purchases included a wide range of home-improvement items, such as patio furniture, storage containers, vacuums, propane gas, a leaf blower, televisions, a home gym kit, a microwave, luggage, and food. On one occasion, the investigation found, Gassman used the PBA’s credit card to purchase lodging, parking, gas, and food for himself and another officer on a business trip, then submitted a purchasing order to the police department seeking reimbursement.

Furthermore, the investigation found that Gassman submitted documents to the PBA accountant falsely indicating that he had paid back personal purchases. He also changed the password to the PBA’s credit card when asked questions by the PBA’s leadership, effectively locking them out, the investigation found.

Gassman turned himself in to authorities earlier today and was held in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending future proceedings in Monmouth County Superior Court. During those proceedings, the state intends to ask that Gassman be barred from contact with his former PBA Chapter’s Executive Board and ordered to surrender his firearms and submit to monthly reporting while the case against him proceeds.

This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the MCPO Professional Responsibility Unit. Gassman is being represented by Mitchell Ansell, Esq., with an office in Ocean Township.

Anyone with information about Gassman’s activities is being asked to contact MCPO Detective Dylan Lovgren at 800-533-7443.

— Edited press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office