Ocean Gate Mayor Arrested, Charged With Misconduct, Theft

OCEAN GATE, NJ — Ocean Gate Mayor Paul Kennedy was arrested today and charged with official misconduct and theft, authorities said.

An extensive investigation found that Kennedy, 66, while actively working as mayor of Ocean Gate, took proceeds from the sale of borough assets and kept the money for himself, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Billhimer said that money from sales made through government auction website GovDeals.com were kept by Kennedy for personal benefit. The investigation also found that Kennedy kept borough parking meter funds instead of putting them in the Ocean Gate bank account. Kennedy sold borough office furniture on a private Facebook Marketplace account in an attempt to keep the money for himself, Billhimer said.

Kennedy was taken in to the Ocean County Sherriff's Office and released on summons pending a future court date.

Billhimer acknowledged the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Standards/Corruption Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crimes Squad, Ocean Gate Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.