Former Ocean City Cop, US Marshal Tells His Story

OCEAN CITY, NJ — James Plousis has worked cases for over four decades. He was once the youngest elected county sheriff in the United States. He later served as US marshal for the District of New Jersey.

Plousis was also a police officer in Ocean City, where he currently lives. He tells his wide-ranging story in the new book, "Jersey Lawman: Life on the Right Side of Crime," written with freelancer and Ocean City resident George Ingram.

All proceeds for the books support the U.S. Marshals Survivor Benefits Fund. The organization supports family of active United States Marshals, Deputy U.S. Marshals, Marshals Service employees, and Special Deputy U.S. Marshals who are killed in the line of duty.

Plousis was involved in several decades of cases that included Donald Trump, Bernie Madoff, the September 11 attacks, mob boss Little Nicky Scarfo, Hurricane Katrina, Chris Christie and more.

After serving as an Ocean City officer, Plousis was elected Cape May County sheriff at age 32. He held the post more than five terms, earning national recognition for his innovative approach to law enforcement, public safety and incarceration.

President George W. Bush appointed Plousis as U.S. marshal for the District of New Jersey in 2002. In this position, Plousis fought to bring the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Safe Surrender program to New Jersey.

Plousis also served as chairman of the New Jersey Parole Board for seven years. In the book, Plousis also touches on a humanitarian mission to earthquake-ravaged Haiti, his love for barbecue as a Kansas City Barbecue Society-certified judge and his passion for surfing.

Actor Brian Dennehy has praised the book.

"I have played many law-enforcement roles as a sheriff, cop, and federal agent in television and movies, so it is an honor to recommend this book about the real life of a sheriff and U.S. marshal in New Jersey,” Dennehy said. “Jim Plousis is a man I know and have worked with to make Camden, New Jersey, a safer community.”

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