Berkeley Tax Worker Charged With Shoplifting

Photo courtesy WalMart

  BERKELEY – A township employee was charged with shoplifting from the Lacey Wal-Mart.

  Police reported that Joseph Butala, Jr. attempted to leave the store with merchandise valued at $250. He was arrested and charged with shoplifting before being released on his own recognizance.

  Berkeley Township Business Administrator John Camera confirmed that Butala’s title with the township is Assessing Aid. Previously, he had been employed as a Public Safety Tele-communicator Trainee.

  Assessing involves tax collection in the township. The telecommunications title is police dispatch.

  The incident happened on April 29. It was at 2:53 p.m. on a Thursday. It is unknown if he was on the clock or in a township vehicle. Personnel matters such as this are not made public.