Ex-CFO Admits Stealing $115K From Monmouth Autism Nonprofit

FREEHOLD, NJ — A Freehold man who was the chief financial officer for a nonprofit organization that provides services to individuals with autism pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing nearly $115,000 from the organization, state Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced.

Peter Pflug, 56, of Freehold, pleaded guilty to second-degree theft by unlawful taking before Superior Court Judge Ellen Torregrossa-O’Connor in Monmouth County. Under the plea agreement, the state will recommend that Pflug be sentenced to three years in state prison. He will be required to pay full restitution, Grewal's office said. Sentencing is set for March 22.

Pflug was the former chief financial officer for New Horizons in Autism, based in Monmouth County. The organization provides services to individuals with autism, including through the operation of group homes. New Horizons receives most of the funding for its programs through a contract with the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Pflug used of the organization’s credit cards and checking accounts for $114,917 in personal expenditures, frequently recording the products and services as purchases made for group homes operated by the nonprofit. Detectives executed a search warrant in April 2018 at Pflug’s home, where they identified numerous items and home improvements paid for using New Horizons credit cards and financial accounts.

"Pflug abused his position as chief financial officer of this nonprofit by diverting funds for his personal use that were intended to provide services to individuals with autism," Grewal said. "Most of this was taxpayer money, dedicated to funding group homes under a state contract, but Pflug selfishly stole nearly $115,000 for his own home improvements, vehicles and other personal expenses."

"Pflug betrayed the nonprofit that employed him and the vulnerable population served by the nonprofit," said Thomas Eicher, director of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability. "Moreover, he stole from New Jersey taxpayers. We have zero tolerance for this type of corrupt conduct."

Deputy Attorney General Mallory Shanahan prosecuted Pflug and took the guilty plea for the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.

The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability has a toll-free tipline, 1-844-OPIA-TIPS for the public to report corruption, financial crime and other illegal activities confidentially.

The Attorney General’s Office has an Anti-Corruption Reward Program that offers a reward of up to $25,000 for tips from the public leading to a conviction for a crime involving public corruption. Information is posted on the Attorney General’s website at: http://nj.gov/oag/corruption/reward.html.

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Peter Pflug photo provided by NJ Attorney General's Office