South Brunswick Cop Pleads Guilty To Stealing $75K From Police Union: Prosecutor

FREEHOLD, NJ — A South Brunswick Police officer pleaded guilty Thursday to stealing more than $75,000 from his local Policeman's Benevolent Association chapter over a span of six years, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said Friday.

Abraham "Jason" Gassman, 53, entered a guilty plea to second-degree theft before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Henry Butehorn. Orders permanently forfeiting his public office and firearms were signed the same day.

Gassman had served as treasurer of his PBA chapter since 2009, giving him exclusive control over its finances. Prosecutors say he exploited that position in multiple ways, using the PBA's credit card for personal purchases, stealing cash from PBA charity fundraisers and other events, and submitting falsified documents to the PBA's accountant indicating he had repaid personal charges. When PBA leadership began asking questions, investigators say Gassman changed the password to the union's credit card account, locking out its officers.

Personal purchases made on the PBA card, according to prosecutors, included patio furniture, storage containers, vacuums, propane gas, a leaf blower, televisions, a home gym kit, a microwave, luggage and food.

On one occasion, investigators found that Gassman used the PBA card to cover lodging, parking, gas and food for himself and another officer on a business trip, then separately submitted a purchase order to the police department seeking reimbursement for the same expenses.

The investigation, led by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Professional Responsibility Unit, was initially triggered by a separate incident in which Gassman was found to have shoplifted approximately $100 worth of bedding from a Target store in Ocean Township, leaving the scene in his police vehicle. That probe then expanded, uncovering the broader theft from the PBA.

Gassman turned himself in to authorities in July 2025.

At the time, South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka expressed disappointment at Gassman’s arrest.

He noted that Grassman did not live up to core values of the police department, which are integrity, respect, and professionalism.

"The accusations and arrest of Mr. Gassman is extremely disappointing to me and all members of the agency. The accusations against him do not reflect the character and practices of the hardworking men and women of the South Brunswick Police Department that do serve honorably each and every day and live up to our agency's CORE Values," Hayducka said.

The South Brunswick Police Department had suspended Gassman following his arrest.

"The standard for suspending a police officer without pay in New Jersey is a high bar to achieve, and I did not make this decision without a careful review of the facts and circumstances, which led me to conclude that the immediate suspension was necessary to maintin safety, health and order of effective police services," Hayducka said.

Sentencing is tentatively scheduled for June 30. The state intends to seek a seven-year state prison term, which would be reduced to five years if Gassman pays full restitution to both the PBA and Target by that date. Prosecutors also intend to seek a court order permanently barring him from entering any Target location.

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