By: Richard L. Smith
A longtime NJ Transit employee is facing criminal charges after allegedly using public funds to purchase and resell hundreds of smartphones for personal profit, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney General’s Office and the Office of Public Integrity & Accountability (OPIA).
Peejay Manila, 37, of Hackensack, has been charged with two counts of theft and one count of receiving stolen property in connection with an alleged scheme that spanned nearly four years. 
Investigators say Manila, who joined NJ Transit in December 2019, used his purchasing authority to buy iPhones with agency funds—meant solely for official use—and then sold them to cellphone buy-back companies.
According to OPIA Executive Director Drew Skinner, “These devices were owned by a State agency, purchased using fare proceeds and tax dollars. Instead of being used for the public’s benefit, the defendant sold them for personal gain.”
Between November 2020 and September 2024, Manila allegedly sold around 850 phones and other electronic devices to a trade-in company, receiving over $700,000 in return.
Authorities say the majority of the phones had been acquired through NJ Transit’s official cellphone provider.
From November 2024 to April 2025, Manila reportedly expanded his efforts, selling more devices to additional companies and continuing to profit off state-funded purchases.
On May 8, law enforcement executed search warrants at Manila’s home, vehicle, and office.
They reportedly discovered about 20 cellphones—11 of which were unopened—inside his residence.
Many of the devices, including a box ready to be shipped, were confirmed to be linked to NJ Transit orders placed by Manila. 
Attorney General Matthew Platkin condemned the alleged abuse of authority, stating, “The defendant misused his role to spend the public’s money, betraying the trust of his employer, coworkers, and NJ Transit riders.”
If convicted, Manila could face up to 10 years in state prison and fines of up to $150,000.