By: Jeff Sommes
A South Brunswick police officer has been sentenced to five years in state prison after admitting he stole more than $75,000 from his local Policemen’s Benevolent Association chapter over a period of more than six years, according to information released by Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.
Abraham “Jason” Gassman, 53, received the sentence Tuesday before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Henry Butehorn.
The investigation, conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Responsibility Unit, began after authorities determined Gassman shoplifted approximately $100 worth of bedding items from a Target store in Ocean Township early last year before leaving in his South Brunswick Police Department vehicle.
As investigators expanded the case, they found Gassman had served as treasurer of his local PBA chapter since 2009 and maintained exclusive control over its finances.
Prosecutors said he stole more than $75,000 by making personal purchases with the PBA’s credit card and taking cash generated through charity fundraisers and other PBA events.
According to prosecutors, the unauthorized purchases included patio furniture, storage containers, televisions, a home gym, luggage, propane gas, household appliances, food, and other personal items.
On one occasion, Gassman allegedly used the PBA credit card to pay for lodging, parking, fuel, and meals during a business trip, then sought reimbursement from the South Brunswick Police Department for those same expenses.
Investigators also determined Gassman submitted false documents to the PBA’s accountant claiming he had repaid personal charges and later changed the password to the PBA credit card account after questions were raised by the organization’s leadership, preventing them from accessing the account.
Gassman pleaded guilty earlier this year to second-degree theft.
As part of his plea agreement, he permanently forfeited his public office and surrendered his firearms. He was also ordered not to return to any Target stores.