Ex-Howell Official Admits $10K In Permit Fee Thefts

FREEHOLD, NJ — The former land use director for Howell Township admitted Thursday that he stole more than $10,000 in cash paid for permit appliations to the township, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said.

Christian Jackson, 45, of Jackson, pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree theft by unlawful taking in front of Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Richard W. English. Jackson admitted he stole $10,639 in cash receipts between February 2014 and June 2016 while serving as the director of land use for Howell Township, the prosecutor's office said.

As part of his plea agreement, the prosecutor's office will recommend a term of probation at the time of sentencing, said Charles Webster, spokesman for the prosecutor's office. Jackson also will be prohibited from holding any public office, position or employment in the future, will forfeit his retirement benefits under the state’s Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and pay restitution in the amount of $10,639.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 26 before English.

If you have concerns about fraud in public office, you can report them to the Prosecutor’s Office Corruption Tip Line – 855-7-UNJUST (855 786-5878). You can also send tips via email at: corruption@co.monmouth.nj.us; put “Corruption/Misconduct Tip” in the subject line.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Nelsen. Jackson is represented by Mitchell J. Ansell, Esq., of Ocean Township.

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