The former business administrator for the Shore Regional High School District was sentenced to a one-year term of probation for a series of charges related to the theft of school funds, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced.

Dennis Kotch, 41, of Wall, pleaded guilty in June by way of an accusation charging him with two counts of second-degree official misconduct, two counts of third-degree theft by unlawful taking, one count of third-degree misapplication of entrusted property, and one count of insurance fraud.

Kotch was sentenced by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Joseph W. Oxley.

The case background … 

The charges stemmed from an almost year-long investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office prompted by a complaint from the school district that Kotch may have been involved in the theft of district funds.

Kotch resigned his position on or about May 13, 2016, a week after the investigation was initiated. The investigation revealed Kotch unilaterally, and without Board of Education approval, hired a paid intern from January 2015 through May 2016. This intern was paid to do work that was Kotch’s responsibility, much of which was done by the intern remotely from Florida where she was attending college. The intern was paid $27,439.95 over this time period.

Additionally, the investigation revealed Kotch spent 22 work days out of the district, often out-of-state, without using vacation time or other leave time.

The case was prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco.

Kotch was represented by Jason A. Volet, Esq., of Neptune Township.

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