By: Richard L. Smith
A former NJ Transit supervisor has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a years-long scheme in which he stole more than 1,000 cellphones purchased with public funds and resold them for personal profit, authorities announced.
According to a statement released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and its Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, Peejay Manila, 37, formerly of Hackensack and now of Little Ferry, entered guilty pleas on March 24, 2026, before Superior Court Judge James X. Sattely in Bergen County.
Manila admitted to second-degree theft by unlawful taking and third-degree failure to pay or turn over taxes.
Under a plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend a five-year state prison sentence.
He will also be required to pay approximately $1.38 million in restitution to NJ Transit and file amended tax returns for 2021 through 2024, with an estimated $56,000 owed in back taxes.
Authorities said Manila, who began working for NJ Transit in December 2019 and later rose to Chief of Digital Workspace, used his position to order cellphones intended for agency employees.
Instead, he diverted the devices and sold them to multiple buyback companies, generating more than $900,000 in illegal proceeds.
Investigators allege the scheme began in November 2020 and continued for more than four years. Manila also admitted he requested the removal of security restrictions on the devices before selling them.
Law enforcement executed search warrants on May 8, 2025, at his residence, office, and vehicle.
During the search, officers recovered approximately 20 cellphones, including several new, unopened devices.
Some were already packaged and labeled for shipment to buyback companies.
Officials said Manila used the proceeds to fund a lavish lifestyle, including international travel to destinations such as Japan and Dubai.
As part of the plea deal, Manila has forfeited all public employment and is permanently barred from holding any position of trust in government.
State officials emphasized that the case underscores ongoing efforts to combat public corruption and safeguard taxpayer resources.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 5, 2026.