Cedar Grove Man Stole $244K From Disability Charity In NJ: Prosecutors

CEDAR GROVE, NJ — An Essex County resident has been accused of stealing more than $244,000 from a charity that provides support for people with disabilities, prosecutors announced Friday.

Stephen Ferguson, 65, of Cedar Grove, served as treasurer of the organization from June 2023 through March 2025. The nonprofit was established by some of the families of residents living at the Association for Hunterdon Development Center in Clinton, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

The organization was created to provide additional support and resources for adults with disabilities residing at the state-run facility, authorities said.

An internal audit determined Ferguson made multiple unauthorized withdrawals from the organization’s accounts for his personal use, totaling more than $244,000, prosecutors alleged.

Ferguson was charged with one count of second-degree theft by unlawful taking and one count of second-degree misapplication of entrusted funds. His first court appearance is scheduled for July 27.

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