Cop Admits To Stealing From Police Union

File Photo

FREEHOLD – A Brielle police officer admitted to taking more than $700 from the expense account of his local police union, Monmouth Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced.

Michael W. Palmer, Jr., 33, of Wall Township, pleaded guilty to an accusation charging him with one count of third-degree theft. He acknowledged before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Ellen Torregossa-O’Connor that between February 20 and March 25, that while treasurer for the Police Benevolent Association, he took $734.25 in cash withdrawals from the PBA bank account for personal purposes and without authorization.

The sentencing recommendation will be non-custodial probation; however, Palmer is allowed to apply to pre-trial intervention. An order forfeiting his position as a Brielle police officer and permanently forfeiting public office in New Jersey was also entered and was a condition of the plea.

Palmer also agreed to pay the victim, the Brielle PBA, $734.25 in restitution. Sentencing is scheduled for October 22.

“We will continue to hold law enforcement officers accountable for their actions and will prosecute those who violate the law. Police officers who betray their oaths fail our citizens, their fellow officers and make it harder for the law enforcement community to obtain the public’s trust,” Gramiccioni said.

The Prosecutor added, “we will not tolerate this conduct and the added burden that it places on the work of honorable law enforcement officers who are working tirelessly to serve their communities.”

Palmer was charged in July after an internal affairs review by the Brielle Police Department and follow-up investigation by this Office’s Professional Responsibilities and Bias Crimes Unit revealed.

He made several ATM cash withdrawals in Wall Township, Ocean Township and Neptune City from the expense account of the Brielle Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) Local 395, while serving as their treasurer between January and June of this year.

These withdrawals were unrelated to PBA business and were made for personal reasons.

Palmer was employed as a Brielle Borough police officer on Dec. 1, 2018, where he earned $105,383.

Prior to the forfeiture order, Palmer was suspended without pay. “I can’t stress this enough; Mr. Palmer’s behavior was inexcusable and is by no means a representation of the high level of professionalism and integrity of every Brielle police officer,” Brielle Police Chief Gary J. Olsen said.

The chief added “as a department, and as an association, we are very pleased with the outcome of this case and we look forward to moving on and recovering from this.”

Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Office’s Professional Responsibilities and Bias Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case. Palmer is being represented by attorney Charles Uliano of West Long Branch.