Separation Agreement Between Princeton, Former Animal Control Officer Finalized, Finally

Princeton, NJ -- The Town of Princeton and former Animal Control Officer Mark Johnson have finally parted ways.

Council approved a separation agreement that will pay Johnson about $24,000 during its meeting Monday night, the Princeton Packet reports. The payment represents six months pay on his annual salary of $52,188.

Johnson admits he made a mistake in handling and reporting unused rabies vaccines, but says he never attempted to mishandle the vaccines or obstruct an investigation, according to the report.

The separation took place in March of 2015, in the wake of the revelation that 400 rabies vaccines provided to the town by the state were unaccounted for.

The proper paperwork was not filed by Princeton with the state in 2013 and 2014. The state requires paperwork to be filed after each vaccination, and unused vaccines are to be returned to the state within 10 days.

There had been a dispute over whether Johnson was fired or if he resigned.

The position is now held by Nate Barson.

Patch file photo