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

OCEAN TOWNSHIP, NJ — A police officer who admitted stealing more than $75,000 from his local Policeman’s Benevolent Association (PBA) chapter was first arrested shoplifting bedding from the Ocean Township Target.

Abraham “Jason” Gassman, 53, pleaded guilty Thursday to second-degree theft. He will be sentenced June 30, when the state intends to ask that he serve seven years in state prison, reduced to five years if full restitution is paid to the PBA and Ocean Twp. Target.

In early 2025, Gassman was caught shoplifting bedding items valued at about $100 from the Ocean Twp. Target. He left the scene in his police vehicle.

After Gassman was charged with the shoplifting, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Professional Responsibility Unit opened an investigation into Gassman.

It was that investigation that undereathed his broader theft from the PBA.

Gassman was a South Brunswick Police officer and was treasurer of its PBA chapter, exercising exclusive control over its finances. He used his position as treasurer to steal more than $75,000 from the PBA in multiple ways over the past six years, said the Monmouth County Prosecutor. He used the PBA credit card to make personal purchases and stole cash proceeds from PBA charity fundraisers and other events.

He used the stolen PBA money to purchase 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 and then submitted a purchasing order to the Police Department seeking reimbursement.

Furthermore, the investigation found Gassman submitted documents to the PBA accountant falsely indicating that he had paid back personal purchases. He also changed the password to the PBA’s credit card when asked questions by the PBA’s leadership, effectively locking them out.

Gassman turned himself in to authorities in July 2025.

He has to forfeit holding any public office in the future, and forfeit his right to own a gun. He is also banned from entering any Target.

Gassman is represented by well-known criminal defense attorney Mitchell Ansell, Esq., with an office in Ocean Township.