Drug Counselor From Howell Admits Demanding Cash To Hide Failed Drug Tests: Prosecutor

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — A drug and alcohol treatment counselor from Howell has admitted to taking cash from clients in exchange for favorable reports on their progress, the Middlesex County prosecutor's office announced.

Anthony Trimble, 54, of Howell Township, pleaded guilty to a count of theft by unlawful taking, admitting he took approximately $1,500 in payments from the clients who had been placed on probation, the prosecutor's office said. Under a plea agreement reached with Middlesex County Prosecutor Christine D’Elia, Trimble could be sentenced to serve a probationary term of up to five years, and will be required to repay the stolen funds.

Trimble also has forfeited his counselling license as part of the plea agreement, the prosecutor's office said. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Superior Court Judge Alberto Rivas in New Brunswick on Sept. 11.

Trimble was charged in December 2016 after an investigation sparked when the lawyer of one of the probation clients contacted authorities after being told about the scheme, where Trimgle demanded the cash after the client failed a drug test.

The investigation by Detective Kevin Schroeck of the prosecutor’s office determined that Trimble, a counselor at the Journey to Wellness clinic in Perth Amboy, demanded the payments from three clients between Sept. 1 and Dec. 16, prosecutors said.

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