By: Tracie Carter
A former lieutenant with the New Jersey Department of Corrections has been indicted after authorities say he stole large quantities of state-owned ammunition and sold it for personal profit over several years.
According to a statement released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, a state grand jury returned a 24-count indictment against Timothy Morris, 57, of Bayville in Ocean County.
Morris previously served as the department’s range master for about 18 years, overseeing multiple shooting ranges used for corrections officer training.
Authorities allege that between 2019 and 2025, Morris used his position to order excess ammunition through the department and then resold it on the secondary market to various buyers in exchange for cash and checks made directly to him.
Investigators say the scheme generated more than $400,000 in personal profit.
Among the money allegedly tied to the illegal sales was about $60,000 in $100 bills that were reportedly vacuum-sealed in bundles.
According to prosecutors, Morris also attempted to conceal the proceeds by conducting multiple cash withdrawals in smaller amounts to avoid bank reporting requirements designed to detect suspicious financial activity.
The indictment further alleges that Morris failed to report income connected to the sales on his New Jersey tax returns.
Authorities say that between the 2020 and 2024 tax years he omitted more than $418,000 in income.
Morris is charged with multiple offenses including official misconduct, theft by unlawful taking, financial facilitation of criminal activity, and several counts related to filing fraudulent tax returns and failing to pay state taxes.
Second-degree charges in New Jersey carry potential penalties of five to ten years in state prison and fines of up to $150,000, while third-degree offenses can result in three to five years in prison and fines up to $15,000.
The case remains ongoing. Prosecutors note that criminal charges are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.