Authorities charged Carol Austin charged with one count of third-degree Theft And Unauthorized Use of Food Stamp Coupons.
Officials say, on Thursday Ms. Austin entered guilty pleas to both counts before the Hon. Adam E. Jacobs, J.S.C.
The accusation alleged that between November 2015 and May 2017 Ms. Austin used food stamp benefits that did not belong to her and that she did not have the authorization to use.
Authorities say Austin allegedly used food stamp funds in an amount exceeding $500.
During the timeframe of the alleged offenses, Ms. Austin was employed as a clerk by the Passaic County Board of Social Services and had access to food stamp cards that were turned in by clients or their family members.
According to officials, at the time of plea Judge Jacobs entered an order requiring Ms. Austin to forfeit her employment at the Passaic County Board of Social Services and permanently barred her from holding any public office or position of honor, trust or profit within the State of New Jersey.
That order is effective immediately and sentencing is listed for June 22, 2018, before Judge Jacobs officials say.
Pursuant to the terms of a plea agreement, the State shall at the time of sentence recommend probation with up to 364 days in the Passaic County Jail, no victim contact, and restitution to the United States Department of Agriculture for stolen funds.
Passaic County Prosecutor's Office detectives arrested Ms. Austin in 2017 with the assistance of the North East Regional Office of the Inspector General for the United States Department of Agriculture.
Third-degree Theft ranges from $500 up to $75,000, and carries a maximum term of five years in New Jersey State Prison.
Fourth degree Unauthorized Use of Food Stamp Coupons involves the value of $150 or more, and carries a maximum term of eighteen months in New Jersey State Prison.