A former civilian tow lot manager for the City of Atlantic City Police Department is charged with theft and official misconduct in connection to the theft of nearly $80,000 in tow lot fees, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.
Dennis Bell Sr., of Laurel, Maryland, formerly of Atlantic City, was charged with second degree Official Misconduct and second degree Theft.
The theft occurred over a two year period when Bell was the civilian tow lot manager for the City of Atlantic City Police Department and part of his duties was to manage and process the collection of toll lot storage fees.
An investigation started after discrepancies in tow lot finances were discovered by the City of Atlantic City’s Office of Revenue and Finance. These discrepancies were reported to the Atlantic City Police Department.
A four-month long investigation by detectives from the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Official Corruption Unit and detectives from the Atlantic City Police Department determined that Bell stole nearly $80,000 collected in lot fees over the course of a two year period.
Bell worked for the City of Atlantic City since 2000. Bell had been suspended without pay and submitted a letter of resignation to the city yesterday.
Bell was released on a summons.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Assistant Prosecutor John Flammer.