By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Ocean County announced that on November 20, 2023, Jennifer Docherty, 46, of West Creek, was charged with Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition in connection with her position as Utilities Collector for the Borough of Tuckerton.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said that an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Standards/Corruption Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, and Borough of Tuckerton Police Department revealed that between June 2018 and June 2023, Docherty, in her capacity as Utilities Collector for the Borough of Tuckerton, failed to turn over proceeds.
Officials say the proceeds were from the collection of tax, water, and sewer payments totaling in excess of $10,000, and utilized the monies for her own personal benefit.
According to officials, on November 20, Docherty surrendered herself to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office in the presence of her attorney.
She was processed and served with the charge via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court, officials stated.
Officials said Docherty has been placed on administrative leave by the Borough of Tuckerton during the pendency of this investigation.
“I would encourage residents of the Borough of Tuckerton who have any information pertaining to this investigation to contact Detective John Halliday of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 3533, or Detective David Order of the Tuckerton Police Department at 609-296-9417,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.