The former Jersey City Chief of Police today admitted defrauding the Jersey City Housing Authority by obtaining compensation for off-duty work that he did not perform, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
According to authorities, Philip D. Zacche, 61, of Manalapan, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of embezzling, stealing, obtaining by fraud, misapplying, and without authority knowingly converting money belonging to the JCHA.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Zacche was a member of the Jersey City Police Department who was available to perform off-duty work. The JCHA was responsible for the administration of certain housing units in Jersey City. Between 2010 and 2014, the JCHA hired and paid Jersey City police officers to provide security at some of their housing sites.
Authorities said Zacche admitted defrauding the JCHA by filling out and submitting time sheets representing that he completed certain security shifts even though he was not present at the JCHA site. As such, Zacche was paid a total of $31,713 for work that he did not perform.
According to officials, Zacche faces a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Zacche is required to forfeit $24,700.
The sentencing is scheduled for Apr. 9th.
The Jersey City Police Department is cooperating with the investigation.