A Monmouth County Corrections officer is facing criminal charges after allegedly shoplifting in West Long Branch, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced.

Suzanne Simone, 53, of Ocean Township, a 22-year-veteran of the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, has been arrested and charged with third-degree shoplifting in connection with multiple instances where she failed to pay for items at a local home improvement store.

The charges and arrest came after an investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office which revealed that on multiple occasions, Simone “skip scanned” items, essentially scanning multiple smaller items, and not scanning larger items or pretending to scan them and leaving the store without paying for them. In one instance, Simone was wearing her uniform while allegedly committing the theft. The estimated value of the stolen goods is $661. Some of the stolen goods were later recovered from her residence.

Simone is currently suspended from her position at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.

“No one is above the law,” Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said.  “It is essential to our criminal justice system that officers maintain the public’s trust.  This officer broke the law that she was sworn to uphold, all over a measly $600. This conduct will not be tolerated and is a stain on the men and women in law enforcement who
work tirelessly to serve their communities with honor.”

If anyone has any additional information, please contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Greg Hilton at 1-800-533-7443.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous, but has information about a crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com