Tuckerton Borough Utilities Collector Accused of Stealing Funds
Tuckerton Borough, NJ – Jennifer Docherty, a 46-year-old resident of West Creek, has been charged with Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition in connection with her position as Utilities Collector for the Borough of Tuckerton. The charges were announced by Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer on November 20, 2023.
The charges stem from an investigation conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Standards/Corruption Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, and the Borough of Tuckerton Police Department. The investigation revealed that Docherty, in her role as Utilities Collector, failed to turn over proceeds from the collection of tax, water, and sewer payments totaling over $10,000. Instead, she allegedly used the funds for her personal benefit.
On November 20, 2023, Docherty surrendered herself to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office in the presence of her attorney. She was subsequently processed and served with the charge via summons. Docherty is now awaiting her first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court. As a result of the investigation, she has been placed on administrative leave by the Borough of Tuckerton.
Prosecutor Billhimer urged residents of Tuckerton who may have information relevant to the case to contact Detective John Halliday of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office or Detective David Order of the Tuckerton Police Department. The contact numbers provided are 732-929-2027, extension 3533, and 609-296-9417, respectively.
In commending the collaborative efforts of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Standards/Corruption Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, Tuckerton Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Prosecutor Billhimer emphasized the importance of their joint efforts in this investigation.
It is essential to note that the charges against Docherty are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
