Mercer Park Ranger Falsifies Patrol Logs, Charged With Theft: Affidavit

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — A Mercer County Park Ranger was charged with theft after officials found he falsified patrol logs to draw more wages, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

While on duty as a park ranger, James J Romano III falsified 64 patrol logs, collecting around $5,728.15 in stolen wages from the county, the affidavit said.

According to the affidavit, Romano stayed at home in Hamilton, while he was supposed to be patrolling the County parks.

Between July 27, 2022 and Jan, 17, 2023, the Mercer County Sherriff’s Office investigated Romano.

“During surveillance of Romano officers observed that while scheduled to be on patrol, he remained at his residence for approximately 298 and a half hours, which was unauthorized,” the affidavit said. Romano then falsified patrol logs helping him collect stolen wages.

Detectives also confirmed that Romano was not authorized to be at home while on patrol duty outside of his authorized breaks, according to the affidavit.

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