Cop Who Shoplifted From Ocean Twp. Target Sentenced To 5 Years In Prison

OCEAN TOWNSHIP, NJ — A former South Brunswick Police officer was sentenced Wednesday to five years in state prison for stealing more than $75,000 when he was treasurer of his Policeman’s Benevolent Association (PBA), said Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago.

Abraham “Jason” Gassman, 53, was first caught early in 2025 shoplifting bedding items valued at about $100 from the Ocean Township Target.

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He drove away from the store, with the stolen items, in his police car.

After Gassman was charged with the shoplifting, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Professional Responsibility Unit opened an investigation into Gassman, learning he was treasurer of the South Brunswick Police PBA chapter since 2009, exercising exclusive control over its finances.

The prosecutor says he stole more than $75,000 from the PBA in multiple ways over a span of six years, including using the PBA credit card to make personal purchases and stealing cash proceeds from PBA charity fundraisers and other events.

He spent the money on a wide range of home-improvement items, such as patio furniture, storage containers, vacuums, propane gas, a leaf blower, televisions, a home gym kit, a microwave, luggage and food. On one occasion, Gassman used the PBA’s credit card to purchase lodging, parking, gas and food for himself and another officer on a business trip, then submitted a purchasing order to the Police Department seeking reimbursement.

He also changed the password to the PBA’s credit card when asked questions by the PBA’s leadership, effectively locking them out.

Gassman pleaded guilty to second-degree theft earlier this year, at which time he was ordered to permanently forfeit holding any future public employment, and forfeit his right to own a gun. He was also ordered not to return to any Target stores.

Cop Who Shoplifted From Ocean Twp. Target Admits Stealing $75K From Policeman’s Benevolent Association (March 2026)