Drug Counsellor From Howell Demanded Cash To Hide Client's Failed Drug Test: Prosecutor

HOWELL, NJ — A Howell Township man who works as a drug counselor has been charged with extorting money from a client for favorable reports on the client's progress, authorities said.

Anthony Trimble, 54, of Howell Township, was charged on Dec. 16 with a second-degree count of theft by extortion for demanding the victim make cash payments, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey.

Trimble, a counsellor at Journey to Wellness clinic in Perth Amboy, demanded an undisclosed amount of cash on Dec. 14, after the victim failed a drug test, Carey said.

The victim was required to report to Trimble as part of the victim's three-year probationary term, Carey said. The victim, whose identity is being withheld by authorities, told his attorney, who contacted authorities, Carey said.

Detective Kevin Schroeck of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office investigated the incident; Trimble was released on his own recognizance after being charged, authorities said.

If convicted, Trimble could be sentenced to five to 10 years in state prison.

The investigation is active and is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Schroeck of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-3300.

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