$10K In Tax Payments Stolen By Southern Ocean Utilities Collector: Prosecutor

TUCKERTON, NJ — Tuckerton's utilities collector stole more than $10,000 in utilities payments and used them for her own personal benefit, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Jennifer Docherty, 46, was charged Nov. 20 with theft by failure to make required disposition in connection with her position in Tuckerton, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Between June 2018 and June 2023, Docherty, in her capacity as utilities collector, did not turn over more than $10,000 in proceeds from tax, water and sewer payments, instead utilizing them for her personal benefit, Billhimer said. She has since been placed on administrative leave from her role in the borough.

Docherty, a West Creek resident, turned herself into the prosecutor's office on Nov. 20 with her attorney, Billhimer said. She was processed and served with the charge via summons pending a court appearance.

“I would encourage residents of the Borough of Tuckerton who have any information pertaining to this investigation to contact Detective John Halliday of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office at 732-929-2027, extension 3533, or Detective David Order of the Tuckerton Police Department at 609-296-9417,” Billhimer said.