By: Jeff Sommes
Atlantic County officials are continuing to investigate an employee who allegedly stole cash from the City of Ventnor for two years.
According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, on Tuesday, August 22, Ms. Michelle Calderon, 37, from Egg Harbor Township, a Code Enforcement Officer with the City of Ventnor, was charged and arrested for the following crimes:
- Second-degree Pattern of Official Misconduct
- Second-degree Official Misconduct
- Second-degree Misapplication of Entrusted Property
- Second-degree Altering Computer Software to Commit Theft
Officials said the charges stem from an investigation that began when the City of Ventnor observed a discrepancy within its financial ledgers.
It is alleged that from 2021 through 2023, Calderon took cash transactions from citizens and businesses intended as payment for various city permits and kept the cash for herself.
County officials said she would then alter the balance sheets using a city-owned computer to cover up the discrepancies.
The total amount of cash taken exceeds $75,000.
Anyone with information about this incident or other serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor's Office Website at ACPO.
Tips and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page.
People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/.
Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.