Prosecutor: Ex-Cop Gets 5 Years in Prison for $75K PBA Theft

A police officer has been sentenced to five years in state prison for stealing more than $75,000 from his Policeman’s Benevolent Association (PBA) chapter, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Wednesday.

Abraham “Jason” Gassman, 53, a former South Brunswick officer, was sentenced during a hearing held yesterday before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Henry Butehorn.

Gassman pleaded guilty to second-degree theft earlier this year, at which time orders permanently forfeiting his public office and firearms were signed. He was also ordered not to return to any Target stores where he had stolen merchandise.

“Crimes of this nature aren’t just betrayals of a solemn oath of service; they undermine the public perception of the overwhelming majority of rank-and-file members of law enforcement who routinely do everything in their power to uphold the law with honor and duty,” Prosecutor Santiago said. “We feel that the outcome of this case appropriately reflects the seriousness with which we approach such matters.”

The case background …

An investigation led by members of the MCPO Professional Responsibility Unit revealed that early last year, Gassman shoplifted bedding items valued at about $100 from a Target in Ocean Township, leaving the scene in his police vehicle.

The investigation also ended up revealing that Gassman had served as his local PBA Chapter’s Treasurer since 2009, exercising exclusive control over its finances. In that capacity, he stole more than $75,000 from the PBA in various ways over a span of a little more than six years, including using the PBA credit card to make personal purchases and stealing 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.

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

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