Perth Amboy Drug Counselor Demanded Cash from Patient, Prosecutor Says

PERTH AMBOY, NJ - A drug treatment counselor in Perth Amboy was arrested last Wednesday after he demanded cash from a patient in recovery in exchange for marking positive progress on the patient's report, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.

Anthony Trimble, 54, worked as a drug treatment counselor at Journey to Wellness clinic in Perth Amboy. It was the patient who contacted law enforcement: He told police that last Wednesday, Dec. 14, Trimble demanded an undisclosed sum of money from him after he failed a drug test. In exchange, Trimble would not mark that he had failed the test, the prosecutor's office said. As part of his three-year probationary term, the victim was required to report to Trimble.

Trimble, who is pictured above, was arrested Friday, Dec. 16 and charged with a second-degree count of theft by extortion. He was released on his own recognizance after being charged. He lives in Howell Township.

If convicted, Trimble could be sentenced to five to 10 years in a New Jersey state prison.

The investigation is active and is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Schroeck of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3300. Photo provided by the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.